The ski world is amazed: Bulgarian sensation in Madonna

Thousands of spectators, bright spotlights and lots of fresh snow: At the legendary slalom classic in Madonna di Campiglio, everything was set up for the big ski stars. They were amazed when they were completely overshadowed by a supporting actor from Bulgaria on the perfect stage.

08 January 2025

From: fop

The winner of Madonna di Campiglio is Albert Popov! The man is 27 years old, comes from the Bulgarian capital Sofia and has only been on the podium once before, finishing third two years ago in Palisades Tahoe. Now he is celebrating his first World Cup victory in the Trentino ski stronghold in front of Italy's ski legend Alberto Tomba.

"I am proud of myself, my team and my family. We achieved all this together," beamed Popov in the winner's interview, "that is the best feeling there is."

First Bulgarian victory in exactly 45 years

The underdog grabbed the first Bulgarian World Cup victory in exactly 45 years. On January 8, 1980, Petar Popangelov won the Eastern European country's only success in the premier class of skiing to date in Lenggries.

“It’s the best feeling there is.” Albert Popov

Popov put in a brilliant performance in Madonna's second run, racing from eighth place to the winner's podium. Even the Swiss slalom ace Loic Meillard had to admit defeat, 44 hundredths behind. Behind him, Samuel Kolega from Croatia took third place. The half-time leader from Norway, Atle Lie McGrath, did not make it to the finish.

embarrassment for Italy

The Azzurri experienced a pitch-black evening in the spotlights of Madonna di Campiglio. With the Trentino veteran Stefano Gross, only one Italian managed to qualify for the second run at his home race and even he did not manage to get beyond 21st place.

Alex Vinatzer had to bite the bullet.

Particularly bitter from South Tyrol’s point of view: With Alex Vinatzer The Azzurri had a really hot iron in the fire. The Val Gardena skier conjured up a best time in the first run in the upper part of the course, and then stayed on course for the top 5, before he got tangled up shortly before the end and was finally disqualified ( read the details here). Also not able to qualify for the second run were Tobias Kastlunger (37.) and Simon Maurberger (38.), which accumulated considerable arrears.