In the second run he showed an outstanding performance and secured a place on the podium: Loïc Meillard.Bild: keystone
Loïc Meillard secures his third podium finish in a World Cup slalom this winter in Alta Badia. The Romand took second place behind the superior Norwegian.
23.12.2024, 14:1323.12.2024, 15:30
Meillard came third in Levi in Finland and a week ago in Val d'Isère, in between fifth in Gurgl in the Ötztal – and now this second place, a result that cannot be overestimated due to his poor health. Meillard is struggling with back pain again, his face distorted with pain after the swing after the two rides spoke volumes.
The 2nd run by Loïc Meillard.Video: SRF
According to plans, Meillard would continue with the Super-G in Bormio in the days just before the turn of the year. He left it open whether he would travel to Valtellina. Like at the beginning of the season, when his back prevented him from starting the giant slalom in Sölden, he looks from day to day.
«It's like a victory actually. This morning I thought that even a top 10 result would be incredible.”
Loïc Meillard
Daniel Yule made it into the top 10 for the first time this winter, but he couldn't be completely satisfied. The Valaisan, who was the best-ranked Swiss in the morning with 6th place, fell back to 9th place in the second run.
There were also World Cup points for the other two Swiss finalists. Luca Aerni delivered a countable result in this discipline for the third time in a row. The Bernese, who was most recently convincing in the giant slalom, rose by 8 places to 17th place in the second round. Tanguy Nef's path was the opposite. The man from Geneva lost 7 positions in the decision and found himself in 22nd place in the final rankings.
«In the second run I found it a little more difficult to really run. It’s still a step forward.”
Daniel Yule
There was no match against one of them that day. Haugan achieved his second victory in the World Cup after the one in March, also in the slalom at the season finale in Saalbach-Hinterglemm with a lead of 1.13 seconds. Two other Norwegians lined up behind Meillard. Atle Lie McGrath came third ahead of Henrik Kristoffersen, who successfully defended his lead in the discipline classification. His first pursuer is now Meillard.
Timon Haugan showed two outstanding runs.Video: SRF
This is what winner Haugan says:
«It was very good. I tried not to think so much and just attack.”
This is what the third Atle Lie McGrath says:
«It's always cool when two Norwegians are on the podium. Timon was really so strong today. It was the best run I've ever seen him do.”
(nih/sda)
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