For this new look in the rearview mirror, let’s look back at Gurgl’s first slalom, which took place last year. A race interrupted for a while, before the Austrians signed a historic treble at home.
Triplets don’t usually come around. It was an endangered species in recent years but 2023-2024 has brought it back into fashion. Switzerland achieved one in Saalbach, during the super-G finals. Just under a month ago, Norway placed three skiers on the podium in Sölden. Then a year ago, for the first slalom in history in Gurgl, Austria achieved the hat-trick at home. Feller – Schwarz – Matt, to the delight of the locals.
Postcard and crazy ride
Let’s set the scene, since it’s quite magical. The Austrian production has enhanced the small resort of Gurgl (around 500 inhabitants) with a multitude of slow motion shots, wide shots and breathtaking views. For a first here, the postcard was out, with snowy landscapes worthy of a film. On the track, the future winner of the small globe exploded the first round. Manuel Feller dominated the opening run, almost a second ahead of Clément Noël, provisional runner-up.
The track is not particularly difficult but the gate gaps are not very high and the layout of the second round can create more gaps. And give pride of place to the lifts. When Michael Matt crosses the finish line with a comfortable lead, it’s still difficult to imagine that he will be on the podium a few minutes later. However, the 17th of the first act will have the hundredths with him. One ahead of Dave Ryding, three ahead of Daniel Yule, ten ahead of Timon Haugan. The skiers pile up and it is only his compatriot Marco Schwarz who dislodges him from the lead.
This content is blocked because you have not accepted cookies and other trackers.
By clicking on “I accept”cookies and other trackers will be placed and you will be able to view the contents (more information).
By clicking on “I accept all cookies”you authorize the storage of cookies and other trackers for the storage of your data on our sites and applications for personalization and advertising targeting purposes.
You can withdraw your consent at any time by consulting our data protection policy.
Manage my choices
I accept
I accept all cookies
Slalom interrupted by demonstrators
An event occurs precisely when “Blacky” completes his race. Environmental activists enter the finish line, throw orange product and brandish banners. The race was interrupted for around ten minutes, which sent Henrik Kristoffersen into a rage. Restrained by several people, the Norwegian shouts and says sweet words to these demonstrators. A strong image from last winter.
This stop penalizes the last 5 skiers still at the top. The second round started at 1:45 p.m. and the sun was already dropping behind the mountains, leaving less visibility. Alexander Steen Olsen slips and leaves the Top 15, Loic Meillard climbs after a few poles, Clément Noël drops to 12th place. Only Manuel Feller remains and the 31-year-old has a lead of 1”16 over Marco Schwarz. This second will disappear very quickly but the skiing is there for Feller, who ultimately keeps 23 small hundredths to pocket the first of his four victories of the winter. An incredible race for a dream result in favor of Austria.
Senegal
