Alex Vinatzer greets Lucas Braathen in the end zone.
The men’s giant slalom in Sölden has written many stories: the successful comeback of Marcel Hirscher and Lucas Braathen or the triple victory of Norway. From the South Country side, Alex Vinatzer was also one of the winners of the day.
27 October 2024
From Sölden
From:
David Lechthaler
The man from Val Gardena has already followed action at the start in 5th place. Vinatzer wants to be in the top 7 of the World Cup rankings in slalom and giant slalom this year. The first round yesterday was not great. But Vinatzer already knew there could be a lot more to come with an intermediate 13th grade. Until the last split, Vinatzer was even ahead of Braathen in the final, which inspired a great run in the snow.
In the end, the 25-year-old was 0.2 seconds behind the “Brazilian” with the fifth best running time. In the final area, “Vinnie” immediately crashed into Braathen. Vinatzer explained to Sports News: “I called to him: ‘Teifl, kiss Johr again and clean him up.’
Inseparable and absolute fan favourites: Atle Lie McGrath and Lucas Braathen. © ANSA / ANNA SZILAGYI
Braathen, who was on the leaderboard at the time, pointed the finger back at Vinatzer and had to laugh. Both seem to get along well. It looks like the young guard is taking on the Ski World Cup and bringing a new, fresh style with them. The same applies to Alexander Steen Olsen or Atle Lie McGrath.
“I called out to him: ‘Damn, kiss me again and clean me.’
Alex Vinatzer about Lucas Braathen
In any case, Vinatzer needs more and was still looking for a fly in the ointment in the second run: “I started, but I left a lot behind at the entrance to the steep slope.” That speaks for his ambition. Vinatzer seems to be in good shape physically – but also mentally – and has found the right mix of professionalism and the necessary calmness. In 5th place, Vinatzer achieved the best giant slalom result of his career.
There were many Brazilian flags in Sölden on Sunday – thanks to Lucas Braathen. © ANSA / ANNA SZILAGYI
In any case, it was a ski festival that saw the 17,200 spectators in Sölden on Sunday in perfect weather. A total of 33,000 fans made the pilgrimage to the Rettenbachferner at the weekend – more than ever before. Everyone seems to be looking forward to the new season. Braathen and Atle Lie McGrath are particularly popular with young fans. During his journey, the last area was one of the highest, next to Marcel Hirscher’s.