The Braathen showman eclipsed the Swiss in Adelboden

Neither a snowstorm in the first round nor the fog on the second course slowed down Clément Noël, winner of the Adelboden slalom which took place on Saturday at the Place du Giant, due to the bad conditions forecast. When presenting the prizes, Didier Cuche nevertheless took a selfie with the runner-up of the tricolor, the Brazilian Lucas Pinheiro Braathen, who beat his former Norwegian teammate Henrik Kristoffersen to the box.

A true rock star of the white circus since his return this season for his mother’s country, the showman was given a Swiss ovation by the 25,000 spectators waving white cross flags, but shouting numerous “Lucaaas!”

Enough to warm up the atmosphere and above all liven up a second round without the best Swiss slalom rider Loïc Meillard (eliminated in the morning), where a thick fog deprived the fans of all visibility.

In these Dantean conditions, Tanguy Nef was the best of the Helvetians, moving up twelve ranks to rank in the top 10 (8^e). “I am happy with my performance, but collectively we wanted to do better at home,” said the Genevan. It was complicated, we couldn’t see three doors away. It took confidence, so well done to Marc [Rochat] who had little and who achieved a great feat!”

Because his friend from Lake Geneva came back from the 23^e at 10^e place, two rows in front of Daniel Yule. Enough to motivate him after a chaotic start to the winter: four retirements and a non-qualification at Madonna last Wednesday. “It was the right place to turn the ship,” sighed the Vaudois, very relieved and ready to stay the course for the rest of the season.

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