The Men’s World Cup Slalom returned to Alta Badia on December 23, 2024, presenting alpine skiing fans with thrilling action just before Christmas. This slalom marks the first since four years at the renowned Gran Risa slope, known for its challenging terrain and stunning backdrop.
On race day, the excitement was palpable as skiers took to the slopes for the final event of the year. The first run kicked off at 10 AM, with the second run scheduled for 1:30 PM. Timon Haugan from Norway emerged as the star of the first round, clocking the fastest time and establishing himself as the frontrunner. With 0.31 seconds separating him from his compatriot Atle Lie McGrath, he positioned himself firmly for the upcoming run.
Following the two Norwegians, French racer Clement Noel put on a valiant effort, though he faced setbacks, trailing behind Haugan by 0.99 seconds. Meanwhile, spotlight shifted to German skier Linus Straßer, who found himself struggling to keep pace. Coming off the slopes, he noted, "Es ist das Selbstvertrauen. Wenn dir da ein bisschen von abgeht, dann fehlt die letzte Konsequenz," referring to the confidence issues impacting his performance this season.
Despite his previous triumphs at prestigious events like Kitzbühel, this season has not seen Straßer replicate his successes. He finished his first run with a delay of 2.58 seconds from the lead, leaving him at the 17th position. His frustration was evident as he approached the second lap amid changing conditions on the piste.
The Gran Risa slope, located amid the picturesque South Tyrolean Alps, is infamous for its technical demands, with numerous turns and steep sections challenging the athletes. The conditions were noted to be significantly improved from the day before, with teams working tirelessly to prepare the course for optimal skiing.
Sports commentators highlighted Haugan's impressive performance, summarizing his approach as straightforward: "Einfach Skifahren - das ist der Schlüssel zum Erfolg." The simplicity in his method was evident on the slope as he navigated the challenges with finesse, earning him the top spot at the end of the first run.
With the festivities of the Christmas season looming, this slalom not only serves as the climactic end to the World Cup calendar but also entertains eager fans around the world through various broadcasting platforms, including Eurosport and regional networks.
Looking forward to the second run, fans are left to ponder the outcomes as Straßer endeavored to recapture his form, facing both internal and external challenges. The thrill of the race was underscored by the festive atmosphere, combining the intensity of world-class sports with the holiday spirit.
With all eyes set on the slopes, spectators, both on-site and those watching through broadcasts, eagerly awaited the second half of the competition. Would Haugan maintain his lead? Or could unease creep back, making way for potential upsets on the final day of competitive skiing before the holiday break? Only time would tell as the skiers prepared for their last run of the year.
