Clement Noel wins 'emotional' World Cup slalom on home snow at Val d'Isere, Ryding takes fifth

ByEurosport

Updated 12/12/2021 at 14:07 GMT

It was a spectacular victory for the French Ski Federation as Clement Noel secured his ninth career win - all in slalom - and his second on French snow. Noel was 0.1 seconds in front after the first run, but extended his advantage to pip Kristoffer Jakobsen's personal best time. Dave Ryding finished ninth in the first run but an impressive showing in the second saw him take fifth.

‘This could be a massive moment!’ – Noel takes slalom win with masterclass

Clement Noel took the first World Cup slalom title of the season in Val d’Isere.

The local hero finished in a time of 1:30.52 to secure the title on home snow, while it was also a good day for Great Britain’s Dave Ryding who finished in fifth (+1.90s).

Sweden’s Kristoffer Jakobsen had to settle for second (+1.40s) to the fortitude to come back from a serious knee injury paying off.

'The flow was perfect' - Run of the day from victorious Clement Noel at Val d'Isère

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12/12/2021 at 16:24

Croatia’s Filip Zubcic gets his first ever World Cup slalom podium in third (+1:85s).

“It’s amazing," Noel said after the race.

"Winning at home is something really different. I already won in France but it’s now it’s in Val d’Isere. I know so many people here so it’s quite an emotional win.

“It’s the best way to start the new season. No one knows if we are fast or not.