Norway Shines in Sölden: Steen Olsen, Kristoffersen, and Lie McGrath Dominate World Cup Opener

With three racers remaining at the starting gate for the Sölden World Cup opener, Norwegian Atle Lie McGrath held the lead. His teammate Henrik Kristoffersen went first among the final three and edged into the top position by a narrow 0.01 seconds, putting two Norwegians in the lead. Croatian Filip Zubcic followed, displaying his aggressive style but couldn’t complete his run. That left only first-run leader teammate Alexander Steen Olsen at the start, with two Norwegians and Norwegian/Brazilian Lucas Pinheiro Braathen now holding the top three spots. Following a brief delay due to Zubcic’s fall, Steen Olsen delivered a strong second run to win his first World Cup GS by 0.65-seconds. Lie McGrath celebrated the victory with his teammate in the finish area.

In the finish area, Steen Olsen said, “It feels like a dream—it’s crazy. Sharing it with two other Norwegians is so amazing. It’s such a great team to be a part of and I’m so happy.”

Norwegian Youth Dominate the Podium

At just 23 and 24 years old, respectively, Steen Olsen and Lie McGrath highlight Norway’s emerging talent, underscoring the nation’s continuing dominance even as Pinheiro Braathen now competes for Brazil.

Hansson’s Surge and Hirscher’s Return

Leading off the second run, 23-year-old Swede William Hansson claimed the top spot in the finish area, holding his lead as he watched Kitzbühel world champion Cyprien Sarrazin and returning star Marcel Hirscher make their attempts. Despite their strong performances, Hansson held a slim 0.13-second lead, advancing four positions before Switzerland’s Justin Murisier finally overtook him.

“The second run was maybe one of the most emotional moments in my career after five years away from ski racing. It means a lot, it’s great to be part of the ski-racing community again,” said Hirscher.

Hirscher impressed in both runs, showcasing his joy at a solid performance.

Hansson’s Climbs

Norwegian Timon Haugen held the lead after the first ten racers completed their second runs. Hansson, however, had climbed seven spots, ultimately moving up 12 positions during the second run to finish 18th by the end of the race.

Standout Moments for the U.S. and Brazilian Competitors

Tommy Ford was the first Stifel U.S. Ski Team member to tackle the second run. He skied well but struggled to maintain precision on the pitch, crossing into sixth and ultimately placing 21st for the day. Immediately after Ford, Pinheiro Braathen returned after a season away, showing little rust as he crossed the finish line 0.83 seconds ahead of his former Norwegian teammate Haugen. He celebrated with a joyful dance in the finish area, recalling his first World Cup victory in Sölden back in 2020.

Pinheiro Braathen’s Emotional Return

Pinheiro Braathen held his breath as each competitor crossed the line, maintaining the lead after the first 20 racers and moving up eight spots from his initial run. The young Brazilian’s emotions were clear, and as he remained in the lead with five racers left, his excitement grew. By then, he had moved up 13 spots. When childhood friend and former teammate Atle Lie McGrath took the lead, Pinheiro Braathen ran out to embrace him. He finished fourth overall, advancing 15 places during the second run in an impressive return to competition.

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“I was so in touch with the snow today, I knew that is my potential and I am here with a purpose. I’m so happy,” said PinheirBraathen, one of the most eccentric characters in the skiing world, who fell out with the Norwegian ski federation in a dispute over his marketing rights a year ago.

“It’s madness, Alexander, Henrik and Atle in the top three is too good to be true,” said Pinheiro Braathen, who is close friends with McGrath and hugged him after the finish.

Final U.S. Performance from Radamus

River Radamus, the last Stifel U.S. Ski Team member to take the second run, skied well but lost time to Pinheiro Braathen throughout the course, finishing fifth, 0.72 seconds behind the Brazilian leader and ending the day in 11th place.

Pinheiro Braathen recorded the fastest second-run time, followed by young Swede Hansson and Marcel Hirscher, rounding off a thrilling day in Sölden.

Race Results and Analysis of Top Three Finishers and North American Contenders and Video Highlights

Analysis of Top Three Finishers and North American Contenders