Loïc Meillard turned disappointment to triumph at the Val d'Isère slalom on Sunday, clinching third place after battling challenging conditions on the famed Face de Bellevarde. Following a tough giant slalom the day before, where expectations fell short, Meillard's performance during the slalom race marked his second podium finish of the winter season.
The Swiss skier entered the day feeling the weight of expectation, sitting sixth after the first run. Yet, under the guidance of his coach Julien Vuignier, he expertly navigated the second course setup to reclaim three places, finishing with the third fastest time overall.
Reflecting on his day, Meillard admitted, “Yes, it was a complicated weekend, you can't say it was fun. But I'm happy to leave here with a podium.” The slalom event proved to be particularly brutal, asserting its challenges as many competitors struggled, resulting in numerous falls and disqualifications.
Meillard's calm demeanor and strategic approach during the race were pivotal. He commented on the difficulties presented by the icy course, stating, “It was difficult to know where to place your feet and find the right line to ski fast.” Despite these challenges, Meillard successfully executed what was required to climb to the podium.
His coach, Julien Vuignier, played a significant role, having crafted the second run to suit Meillard’s strengths, which he noted gave him the edge needed to perform effectively. “It’s certainly helpful to know we trained on this during the summer,” Meillard said, acknowledging the importance of preparation.
This race unfolded with heightened drama as French skier Steven Amiez, who led after the first run, fell shortly after beginning his second run. He wasn’t the only one, as several top international competitors, including Austria's Manuel Feller, also struggled on the treacherous slopes.
Henrik Kristoffersen of Norway, taking advantage of the misfortunes around him, emerged victorious, marking his long-awaited return to the winner's circle after nearly two seasons without a World Cup win. He finished ahead of compatriot Atle Lie McGrath, bringing excitement to the Norwegian camp. The podium’s composition also highlighted Meillard’s resilience as he fought back from the previous day’s disappointments.
Reflecting on the conditions, Meillard noted, “This situation adds pressure, but the whole team gives their maximum. It’s just at the moment, they haven’t managed to fully express their potential during the races.” His remark resonates particularly as many Swiss teammates, including Luca Aerni and Daniel Yule, faced disappointing finishes, with Aerni landing 18th and Yule at 20th.
For Meillard, this achievement marks not just personal success, but also signifies hope for the Swiss ski team as they move forward. “I'm hopeful this will boost their confidence as the season progresses,” he stated. The team has shown glimpses of promise, but as seen on the slopes, consistency continues to be elusive.
Looking toward the future, Meillard plans to transition back to giant slalom training, preparing for the next races, including upcoming competitions at Alta Badia. His analysis of the previous races indicates he’s ready to tackle whatever challenges lie ahead to achieve his goal: consistent top performances.
With optimism about the winter season still to come, Meillard’s podium finish at Val d'Isère serves as both reassurance and motivation, setting the tone for what promises to be an exhilarating continuation of the World Cup circuit.
