Slalom Hafjell, Meillard Triumphs in Front of Braathen: The Cup Race Still Open

Originally published in Gazzetta on March 16, 2025

Slalom Hafjell, Meillard Triumphs in Front of Braathen: The Cup Race Still Open

In the last competition before the finals in Sun Valley, Swiss World Champion Loic Meillard claimed victory in the slalom at Hafjell, finishing with a time of 1:57:05. He was followed closely by a quartet of Norwegian athletes, with McGrath finishing 21/100 behind, followed by Pinheiro Braathen from Brazil and Haugan.

Meillard's victory sets the stage for a tense finale, as the specialty cup is still up for grabs. Kristoffersen currently leads the standings with 612 points, 47 ahead of Meillard and 86 ahead of Noel. The last slalom race will take place in Sun Valley on March 27, where only Alex Vinatzer has qualified after his injury in a previous giant slalom race.

This event highlights the ongoing struggles of the Italian team in slalom, with Meillard's win showcasing his dominance in the competition. No other Italian skiers managed to qualify for the second round, further emphasizing the challenges facing the team this season.

For more updates on ski competitions, be sure to check the results following the events in Sun Valley.