In a stunning display of slalom prowess, Norway’s Timon Haugan claimed a resounding victory in the men’s World Cup slalom race in Alta Badia, Italy on Monday. The 27-year-old skier built upon his first-run lead to finish an impressive 1.13 seconds ahead of Switzerland’s Loic Meillard, with Norwegian teammate Atle Lie McGrath rounding out the podium in third.
Haugan’s Second World Cup Triumph
Monday’s win marked Haugan’s second career World Cup victory, following his breakthrough performance at the season finals in Saalbach, Austria last year. The Norwegian’s commanding victory on the challenging Gran Risa course solidified his status as a rising star in the slalom discipline.
Charging to Victory
Despite a few slight bobbles on his second run, Haugan charged the entire way down the icy, bumpy slope, demonstrating his technical prowess and fearless skiing. His winning margin of 1.13 seconds was a testament to his dominance on the day.
“I tried to keep it simple, keep it clean and really attack,” Haugan said after his victory. “That was the main goal today, just focus on the skiing and not think about the result.”
Norwegian Podium Presence
With teammate Atle Lie McGrath joining him on the podium in third, Norway continued to assert its dominance in men’s slalom skiing. McGrath, who was second after the first run, secured his third consecutive slalom podium finish.
Norwegian star Henrik Kristoffersen narrowly missed the podium, finishing fourth, but maintained his lead in the slalom standings. The Norwegians have now claimed victories in three of the four slaloms this season, with Kristoffersen winning in Val d’Isere just eight days ago.
Meillard’s Surge and Noel’s Struggle
Switzerland’s Loic Meillard made an impressive second-run charge, moving up from eighth after the first run to claim second place. The podium finish was Meillard’s third in four slaloms this season, underscoring his consistency in the discipline.
Meanwhile, Olympic champion Clement Noel of France struggled on his second run after standing third in the morning. The Frenchman, who won the opening two slaloms of the season before injuring his ankle, ultimately finished sixth.
Looking Ahead
As the men’s World Cup circuit moves on to speed events in Bormio, Italy next weekend, the Norwegian slalom team will look to carry their momentum into the new year. With the World Championships in Courchevel/Méribel fast approaching in February, Haugan and his teammates have firmly established themselves as the skiers to beat in slalom.
The next men’s slalom is scheduled for January 4 in Zagreb, Croatia, where Haugan will have the opportunity to further solidify his status as one of the world’s premier slalom skiers. As the season progresses, the battle for slalom supremacy promises to be a thrilling one, with the Norwegians leading the charge.
