Atle Lie McGrath Gurgl 2024, GEPA pictures
Men’s World Cup Slalom Preview — Gurgl, Austria
The men’s World Cup slalom season continues Saturday in Gurgl, Austria, where the field returns to one of the circuit’s newest venues on a high-alpine slope that demands sharp timing, clean movement, and the ability to attack in any visibility. This is an Olympic season, and every race carries consequences — from securing a stronger start position for Bormio to earning selection to national Olympic teams.
A High-Alpine Test Above Treeline
Gurgl’s Kirchenkar slope sits above tree line, offering a stunning stage but also posing a visibility challenge if clouds settle in. Saturday’s men’s race is expected to enjoy clear skies, but clouds are forecast to arrive Sunday, which could bring flat light or fog.
Despite several storms this week, the race crew has removed fresh snow and delivered an icy, World Cup–ready surface for Sunday’s event.
Last Year in Gurgl: Noël Stayed Perfect
A year ago, Clément Noël won his second straight World Cup slalom of the season with total commitment and exceptional timing.
Last season’s Gurgl podium:
- 1st — Clément Noël (FRA)
- 2nd — Kristoffer Jakobsen (SWE)
- 3rd — Atle Lie McGrath (NOR)
Ben Ritchie was the only North American to score, finishing 21st.
For Britain, it was a strong day:
- Dave Ryding — 7th
- Laurie Taylor — 23rd
A Wild Start in Levi Sets the Stage
The 2025 men’s slalom season opened with a dramatic race in Levi:
- 1st — Lucas Pinheiro Braathen (BRA), earning Brazil’s first-ever World Cup victory
- 2nd — Clément Noël (FRA)
- 3rd — Eduard Hallberg (FIN), climbing from bib 29
- 4th — Laurie Taylor (GBR), a career best
- 7th — Dave Ryding (GBR)
- 27th — Billy Major (GBR)
For the Stifel U.S. Ski Team, standout Ben Ritchie qualified for the second run but straddled, while Cooper Puckett started with bib 69, finished 26th, and earned his first World Cup points in his first World Cup slalom.
Canada had a difficult opener, with neither Erik Read nor Liam Wallace qualifying for the second run.
Norway, Switzerland, and Austria all missed the podium in Levi, a rare outcome that increases the urgency heading into race two.
What to Watch in Gurgl
Gurgl rewards athletes who stay aggressive over terrain changes and maintain pressure in the fall line on an icy surface that demands accuracy and courage. If clouds move in, visibility could become the defining factor.
With Olympic selection and Bormio start positions on the line, every run matters.
Course Setters
- First run: Tomas Karlsson (SWE)
- Second run: Andreas Kollenborg (NOR)
Ski Racing Media will provide complete first-run and second-run coverage on Sunday as the men’s slalom season continues in the Ötztal Alps.
How to Watch
The men take the hill on Saturday, Nov. 22, with the first run at 4:30 a.m. EDT / 1:30 a.m. PDT and the second run at 7:30 a.m. EDT / 4:30 a.m. PDT.
- United States: Live and replay coverage on Peacocktv.
- Canada: Stream on CBC Sports.
- Great Britain: Both races air live on Discovery+ — first run 9:30 a.m., second run 12:30 p.m. UK time.
North Americans and British in Gürgl: World Cup Start List (WCSL) and FIS Rankings — FIS Rank Only Shown if Outside Top 30 on WCSL
- Dave Ryding, WCSL 12, GB Snowsport, HEAD
- Benjamin Ritchie, WCSL 18, Stifel USST, Green Mountain Valley School, HEAD
- Laurie Taylor, WCSL 27, GB Snowsport, HEAD
- Billy Major, WCSL 34, FIS Rank 34, GB Snowsport, HEAD
- Jett Seymour, WCSL 47, FIS Rank 46, Stifel USST, Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club, University of Denver, Atomic
- Erik Read, WCSL 53, FIS Rank 84, World Racing Academy, Banff Alpine Racers, University of Denver, Atomic, SYNC
- Luke Winters, FIS Rank 54, Stifel USST, Sugar Bowl Ski Academy
About the Author: Peter Lange
