Lucas Braathen secures second World Cup victory in Adelboden, Atle Lie McGrath second in Norwegian one-two
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Published 08/01/2023 at 14:15 GMT
It was a memorable day for Braathen, who secured the fifth World Cup win of his career with a superb performance in Adelboden. It was even more special for the 22-year-old after his compatriot and close friend Atle Lie McGrath finished second to complete a Norwegian one-two in Switzerland. Germany's Linus Strasser completed the podium with a fine overall time of 1:50.23.
Braathen takes win in Adelboden with two brilliant runs
Lucas Braathen secured his second World Cup win of the season after a dominant victory in the men’s slalom at Adelboden.
The 22-year-old won both runs to secure top spot with a total time of 1:49.31, in what was a Norwegian one-two after Atle Lie McGrath came second with a time of 1:50.02, and Germany’s Linus Strasser finished third with a time of 1:50.23.
The first run began in dramatic fashion, as slalom globe leader Henrik Kristoffersen made a costly error after faceplanting a gate on his way down to count himself out of contention.
He was not alone in failing to get to grips with the course, as Clement Noel slipped and scored a DNF after being the second man out of the gate.
It was Braathen who led the way after the first run with a time of 54.35, with four skiers moving to within a second of the Norwegian's lead.
The closest of those was Switzerland's Loic Meillard, who was 0.52 seconds adrift at 54.87, while Strasser of Germany completed the podium places at the halfway stage with a time of 54.95.
British no.1 Dave Ryding comfortably made his way into the top 30 with an impressive time of 56.34, 1.99 behind Braathen, and a top 10 finish was within reach.
Fellow Brit Billy Major ultimately fell short of making a second run, despite skiing admirably with a time of 58.37 leaving him in 36th.
The second run proved to be just as dramatic, with the lead changing several times.
Strasser, who had been suffering from the flu all the week produced an outstanding second run of 55.28 to move up to second and guaranteed McGrath a podium finish.
Ryding could not manage a top-10 finish in the end, despite an improved second run time of 55.29. His overall time of 1:51.63 saw the Brit finish 19th.
The passionate Swiss crowd cheered on Meillard for his second run and a time of 55.37 briefly propelled him into third.
However, it was ultimately not enough to secure a second podium in as many days, as Braathen stole the show to claim the fifth World Cup win of his career.
Speaking after the victory, Braathen said: “It’s a surreal day for both of us. We’ve been dreaming of the day that we can be on the podium together and we wanted to share this together.
“I can’t believe this day has finally come; from growing up in the same club to competing together at the World Cup.
“Today we were one and two in Adelboden.”
The 100 points were enough to move Braathen to the top of the slalom standings, 59 clear of Manuel Feller in second, while a desperately disappointing day for Kristoffersen sees him drop from first into third.
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