Ben Ritchie in Levi: GEPA pictures
The second run of a tech event is the most thrilling format in FIS Alpine skiing. Constant lead changes keep fans on edge, with final racers determining the winner and creating unmatched drama. This excitement was on full display in Levi, as the men’s World Cup slalom field delivered an unforgettable show.
Climactic Moments: The Final Three Racers
With only two skiers left, the leaderboard featured Norway’s Henrik Kristoffersen in first, followed by Brazil’s Lucas Pinheiro Braathen and Switzerland’s Tanguy Nef. Swiss teammate Loïc Meillard, the third-to-last skier, executed a strong run but crossed the line in second, visibly disappointed. Only Clément Noël, the first-run leader, remained. The Olympic slalom champion showcased his skill, powering through the course and finishing 0.80 seconds ahead of Kristoffersen to claim victory.
On the podium, Noël expressed his excitement after his commanding victory in Levi. “The second run was way better,” Noël said. “I’m really happy about the second run and the race today. I have always loved coming to Levi. Thank you for the amazing support. I hope we’ll be back next year.” He highlighted the importance of the season opener for building momentum. “The beginning of the season is always really important to build confidence for the rest, and I needed this to feel fully confident moving forward. It’s always great to win a race, so I’m really happy about that.”
Kristoffersen settled for second after Noël’s dominant performance, while Meillard’s earlier run held strong enough to secure third place on the podium, edging out Pinheiro Braathen and Nef.
On the podium, Meillard, who missed the opening race in Sölden, said, “Starting the season like this feels incredible. I’m grateful to be here, even more so to leave with a podium finish. It’s amazing.” Kristoffersen said, “Perfect place to start the season in Slalom. It’s always nice to ski here. A perfect slope. So it was nice.”
The Final Five: A Fight for the Podium
With five racers left, Kristoffersen held the lead. Great Britain’s Dave Ryding took to the course but crossed the line in 12th. Next was last season’s slalom runner-up, Germany’s Linus Strasser, who crossed in fourth. Frenchman Steven Amiez followed, only to also cross into fourth.
Early Excellence: Jakobsen and USA’s Ritchie Shine
Sweden’s Kristoffer Jakobsen, the fifth skier of the second run, delivered an outstanding performance. With three World Cup podiums to his name, Jakobsen crossed the finish line with a commanding 1.68-second lead. As he waited in the finish area, he climbed the leaderboard.
Two racers later, Stifel U.S. Ski Team’s Ben Ritchie took his turn. The young American challenged Jakobsen’s lead, crossing into second place. Jakobsen and Ritchie still led the race as the first ten racers completed their second runs. By the end of the day, Jakobsen climbed 15 spots to finish 11th, while Ritchie climbed 11 places for a career-best 13th. Ritchie delivered the fifth-fastest second run.
Ben Ritchie reflected on his career-best performance with optimism. “I’m really happy with the result today,” Ritchie said. “I thought I skied very well. There were some mistakes here and there, but that’s how it goes in racing. There were definitely a few extra nerves with it being the first race of the year—new equipment, new team around me—but I spent a lot of time skiing this summer and put in a lot of work. I’m happy with this start and hope to build on it.”
Champions Fall, Stars Rise
The slalom field featured a parade of champions as the race continued. After 15 racers, Jakobsen maintained his lead, and Ritchie slipped only to third. However, Austria’s Manuel Feller, last season’s slalom champion and 16th out of the start, straddled a gate and did not finish.
Croatia’s Filip Zubcic, starting 17th, finally overtook Jakobsen with a strong run. Norway’s Kristoffersen, starting 20th, used the fastest second run to seize the lead by 0.98 seconds over Zubcic, reestablishing his dominance in Levi.
A Battle to the Finish: Pinheiro Braathen and Home Favorite Hallberg
As the final ten skiers took their runs, Lucas Pinheiro Braathen showcased his form. The young Brazilian, who finished the day 4th, crossed joyfully into second, just 0.25 seconds behind Kristoffersen. Finland’s home-country favorite, Eduard Hallberg, eighth after the first run who was skiing with bib 40, made a costly mistake at the top of the course and finished 24th. Despite this, the joyful crowd celebrated his effort.
With only five racers left to ski, Kristoffersen and Pinheiro Braathen maintained their positions atop the leaderboard, setting up the dramatic conclusion in Levi.
The excitement of the Levi slalom sets the tone for an exhilarating season ahead. With Noël asserting his dominance, Kristoffersen delivering a strong challenge, and Meillard showcasing his consistency, the competition promises more thrilling battles. The World Cup moves to Gürgl, Austria, on November 24th, where the world’s best will again compete for glory on a challenging slalom stage.
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About the Author: Peter Lange
