Linus Strasser: GEPA pictures
Electric Atmosphere in Schladming
Schladming came alive as more than 40,000 fans packed the venue, ready to cheer, sing, and celebrate under the lights. The race crew worked tirelessly overnight after the giant slalom, slipping the legendary Planai slope to prepare for the night slalom. Despite warm temperatures, they delivered the best surface possible, setting the stage for an intense battle under the glow of the floodlights.
Strasser Sets the Standard
The first skier on course was last year’s winner, Germany’s Linus Strasser. He made it look effortless, setting the mark at 50.25. Next came home-crowd favorite and reigning World Cup slalom champion Manuel Feller. The Austrian charged down the course, drawing deafening cheers, but finished 0.46 behind Strasser.
By the time the top seven had completed their runs, Strasser led with a 0.31 advantage over Norway’s Timon Haugan and 0.36 over Switzerland’s Loïc Meillard. The fastest six were separated by just 0.71, while Norway’s Henrik Kristoffersen sat over a second back.
Gstrein Thrills the Home Crowd
Once the top 15 had finished, only two failed to complete their runs—an indication of how manageable the snow had become. However, both were big names: Sweden’s Kristoffer Jakobsen and Brazil’s Lucas Pinheiro Braathen.
At the top of the leaderboard, little changed. Only one skier outside the top seven start positions broke into the top ranks. Wearing bib 13, Austria’s Fabio Gstrein thrilled the home crowd by charging into seventh, setting himself up well for the second run.
The crowd was delighted to see three Austrian’s among the top ten. Often the massive crowd can bring out the best in the Austrian skiers and today that worked with Feller fourth fastest 0.46 behind, Gstrein 7th 0.90 out and Olympic sliver medalist Johannes Strolz skiing into tenth with bib 20.
After the first run was complete, seven skiers sat within a second of Strasser’s leading time, promising a tight battle in the final.
Opportunities Open for Higher Bibs
After the first 30 skiers completed their runs, four failed to finish, and one was disqualified. Additionally, four racers trailed the leader by more than 2.50 seconds, leaving space for higher bib numbers to break into the top 30. However, in the soft conditions, only five managed to qualify.
The fastest of the group was France’s Stefano Gross, wearing bib 33, who posted the 21st-fastest time, finishing 1.96 seconds behind Strasser. The last to squeeze into the second run was Great Britain’s Billy Major, wearing bib 39, who secured 28th place, 2.58 seconds back. Notably, the British team qualified all three of its racers, a rare and impressive feat.
By the end of the first run, the time spread between the fastest and 30th-ranked skier was 2.78 seconds, setting up a competitive second run.
USA’s Ritchie Continues Breakout Season
Stifel U.S. Ski Team’s Ben Ritchie extended his streak by qualifying for a fifth consecutive race, marking his seventh qualification this season. His breakout year continues, driven by noticeable improvements in his skiing. With another solid first run, he remains on track in his climb up the standings. Sitting 1.79 seconds behind Strasser in 18th place, he is well-positioned to push for more in the second run. Unfortunately, he was the only North American to qualify.
Fans Recharge for a Rowdy Second Run
After the top-ranked racers complete their first run, much of the crowd pours into town to continue the celebration. Schladming’s legendary nightlife fuels the energy, ensuring fans return louder and more enthusiastic for the second run. By the time the final racers charge down the Planai, the stadium will be packed once again—this time, even rowdier.
A Thrilling Second Run Awaits
With the top 30 set, the stage is ready for a thrilling second run under the lights in Schladming. Strasser holds the lead, but with six skiers within 0.71 seconds, the fight for victory is far from over. The home crowd will be roaring for Feller, while Haugan, Meillard, and others look to charge up the rankings.
Meanwhile, Ben Ritchie carries North American hopes, and the British team has a rare opportunity with all three racers in the final. With the reverse start order, expect early movers, big lead changes, and an electric atmosphere as the final racers push to the limit. The Planai is primed for a dramatic finish—it’s time to see who delivers under pressure.
First Run Results: Top 30 Finishers
Click images to enlarge
Analysis of the Fastest Three and North American Qualifiers
About the Author: Peter Lange
