Kristoffersen's giant knot bursts

The giant slalom in Kranjska Gora (Slovenia) thrilled the crowds at the finish on Saturday. The day's winner Henrik Kristoffersen celebrated his first victory in this discipline in three years.

March 01, 2025

From: do

Marco Odermatt twice and Henrik Kristoffersen three times before that – these are the last five winners of the giant slalom in Kranjska Gora. The two top runners have dominated the Slovenian winter sports resort at will in recent years. So it was not surprising that the Norwegian and the Swiss were also at the top of the rankings after the first run.

But in the second run, the race took a different turn for the two. While Kristoffersen used all his experience, withstood the attacks of his pursuers and secured victory, Odermatt showed nerves - and possibly a slightly pulled handbrake (+0,52 seconds). Nevertheless, it was enough for him to finish third, behind the bird of paradise Lucas Pinheiro Braathen (+0,41), who catapulted himself from seventh to second place with a brilliant second run and took the third podium place in the history of Brazil.

Marco Odermatt (right) and Lucas Pinheiro Braathen (left) completed the podium. © ANSA / ANTONIO BAT

It should not be forgotten that the slope in the legendary Slovenian ski resort became increasingly difficult with each runner. This led to some changes in the rankings - Marco Odermatt was not completely spared either. Despite a comfortable lead of 0,73 seconds over the unleashed Braathen, the overall World Cup leader was 0,11 seconds behind at the finish. While Odermatt banged his pole against the barrier in frustration, the Brazilian celebrated wildly.

nerves of steel

But there was still one man in the starting house: Kristoffersen was not impressed by the difficult conditions. He set off confidently and in control on the snow of Kranjska Gora - and ended up finishing 0,41 seconds ahead of his former teammate Braathen. It was his first giant slalom victory in three years, also on this slope.

The race day in Slovenia was not a good one for the Azzurri. Alex Vinatzer failed to qualify for the second run, Filippo Della Vite had to settle for 18th place (+1,70), and Luca De Aliprandini was eliminated in the second run.