Loïc Meillard: GEPA pictures
Meillard Leads Swiss Sweep in Hafjell GS First Run as Title Race Heats Up
The final regular-season giant slalom of the season carries massive stakes—not just for today’s podium but for the World Cup GS title race. Only six men remain mathematically in contention: Marco Odermatt, Loïc Meillard, Henrik Kristoffersen, Alexander Steen Olsen, Lucas Pinheiro Braathen, and Žan Kranjec. But no one else has a realistic shot unless Odermatt falters in the final two races.
With a strong performance today, Odermatt could all but lock up the season title, and after the first run, he’s put himself in a prime position to do just that.
But it’s his Swiss teammate, Loïc Meillard, leading the way.
Meillard Charges to the Lead
Meillard powered through a dynamic, clean, and fast first run, crossing the line in 1:09.40. He exploded out of the gate, leading Sector 1, and maintained speed through the rolling terrain. With the GS title still within reach, he’s making his case to keep the battle alive into the final race.
Swiss Strength: Tumler and Odermatt in the Hunt
Switzerland dominated the top three, with Thomas Tumler sitting just 0.08 behind after a perfectly timed attack in the third sector, where he was fastest. Odermatt, the overall World Cup leader, is third at +0.30—well within striking distance.
For Marco Odermatt, today is about more than just a race win—it’s about clinching the GS title. A strong second-run performance could push his lead beyond reach, effectively securing the season globe before the final race. He was efficient and powerful in the first run, but a slower final sector cost him time. If he cleans up that section, he could seize control of the race and move one step closer to the crystal globe. The title is officially his if he finishes the day with a 101-point advantage or more.
Brennsteiner’s Surprise and Brazil’s Rising Star
Austria’s Stefan Brennsteiner delivered a standout performance with bib 15, surging into fourth place at +0.51. His aggressive second sector was the fastest of the entire field, propelling him ahead of several early favorites.
Meanwhile, Lucas Pinheiro Braathen, formerly a Norwegian skier but now racing for Brazil, showed his technical skill on snow he knows well. He sits fifth at +0.53, still in the mix. With a mathematical shot at the GS title, today is his last chance to gain valuable points and keep his slim hopes alive.
Norwegian Disappointment on Home Snow
The absence of Norwegians near the top was a shock. The best home racer was Alexander Steen Olsen, who finished sixth at +0.63—a solid run but not the dominance Norwegian fans hoped for. Steen Olsen remains in the title race, but only just, and he’ll need a huge second run to keep the fight going.
Meanwhile, Henrik Kristoffersen, second in the GS season standings, had a disastrous first run. Needing to close the gap to Odermatt, he instead lost 1.48 seconds to the leader and 1.14 to Odermatt. With the title slipping away, he faces a massive uphill battle in the second run.
Radamus Rises in Familiar Territory
One of the most significant performances came from River Radamus of the U.S. Ski Team. Starting with bib 17, Radamus showed his confidence on a venue where he won three Youth Olympic gold medals in 2016. He finished seventh fastest at +0.76, the last skier within a second of Meillard. Radamus is chasing a top result and looking to solidify his place in the top 15 in the GS standings.
High-Bib Standouts: Six Break Through Against the Odds
With only one of the first 30 starters failing to finish, it took exceptional skiing for higher bib numbers to qualify. Yet, six racers from bib 30+ made the cut.
Vitale Leads the Charge
Italy’s Flavio Vitale (bib 47) was the fastest, finishing 18th at +1.65. France’s Loevan Parand (bib 49) claimed the last qualifying spot in 30th at +2.29.
Three-Way Tie Expands the Field
Parand wasn’t alone—Italy’s Alex Vinatzer and Slovenia’s Kranjec (one of six still in the GS title race) tied for 30th, bringing 32 skiers into the final run.
Radamus the Lone North American
Only River Radamus advanced, finishing seventh at +0.76.
With 32 racers set, the second run promises high stakes and a fierce fight for GS points.
First Run Results: Top 30 Finishers
Click images to enlarge
Analysis of the Fastest Three and North American Qualifiers
About the Author: Peter Lange
