The winner from Gurgl: Paco Rassat. © ANSA / ANNA SZILAGYI

"I wouldn't have thought that was possible."

Under perfect conditions, spectators at the World Cup slalom in Hochgurgl were treated to a true spectacle. The first-time winner was in high spirits after the race, while the Italian team was less so – but they remain optimistic about the future.

22 November 2025

From: apa/mv

Only alpine skiing can produce such extraordinary stories: In the second slalom race of the still young World Cup season, Frenchman Paco Rassat celebrated his first ever victory. "This feels really good. A dream has come true, I'm very happy. I never thought it was possible," explained the 27-year-old.

“It means so much to me. My father was my first coach, and my mother also worked with me. Everyone is crying today,” the Frenchman reported. Armand Marchant’s race was also special: he is the first Belgian to reach a World Cup podium. “A lot is going through my head; I’ve had many setbacks, serious injuries. You have to fight, and it pays off,” said Marchant.

"I wanted to push from the very beginning."

Atle Lie McGrath from Norway finished third ahead of his compatriot Timon Haugan – Lucas Pinheiro Braathen, originally from Norway but now competing for Brazil, only managed tenth place this time. Even further back was Alex Vinatzer from Val Gardena, who finished the Hintergurgl slalom in the Ötztal valley in 19th place – after the first run he was still in the top 10.

Alex Vinatzer from Val Gardena in action. © ANSA / ANNA SZILAGYI

“I wanted to push from the start,” explained the Val Gardena native after the race. “Unfortunately, I slipped twice with my right foot and ruined my rhythm for the entire run.” Compared to the slalom in Levi, where he was eliminated in the first run, it was a step forward, Vinatzer said.

Next slalom in three weeks

Tommaso Sala from Valdisotto (Lombardy) was the second-best Italian, finishing in 26th place. "It was important to be in the second run, especially to find my racing rhythm again. I tried to take advantage of the smooth slope, on snow that was difficult to read," said the 30-year-old.

The World Cup circuit now moves to North America, specifically the USA, where the men will compete in a Super-G (Thursday) and a Giant Slalom (Friday) in Copper Mountain, Colorado. The next World Cup slalom for Vinatzer and his teammates will take place in three weeks in Val d'Isère (December 14).