Norway’s Timon Haugan proved unstoppable on the Gran Risa as he won the men’s slalom 2024/25 FIS Alpine Ski World Cup race in Alta Badia, Italy, on Monday (23 December).
The 27-year-old, whose only previous individual World Cup victory came in March in Saalbach in another slalom race, was the fastest man from the first run and did not let his advantage slip in the second.
In sunny conditions, the slope conditions began to deteriorate and rut as the top layer of snow melted in the sunshine – but Haugan raced aggressively and comfortably took victory by over a second.
He went into his second run with a 1.44-second lead over interim leader Loïc Meillardthe Swiss having produced a storming second run himself. But Haugan managed to even gain more time on Meillard at the top of the course, before giving back a few tenths on the flatter section of the course.
However, the Norwegian crossed the line in a combined time of 1:45.40, still 1.13 seconds clear of Meillard, and let out a big yell of joy when he saw his time on the scoreboard.
“I tried to keep it simple, keep it clean and really attack,” Haugan told FIS TV. “That was the main goal today, only focus on the ski, try not to think about the results and have fun. It can’t be better, winning – that’s what we all want – and I’m so happy to get a break now and with a win.”
Meillard, meanwhile, had the second-fastest run of the 30 qualifiers in the second run, behind only Brazil’s Lucas Pinheiro Braathenwho finished 12th having been 24th after the first descent. It helped Meillard climb six spots to finish second.
Haugan's teammate Atle Lie McGrath took third, a further 0.13 seconds behind Meillard. Slalom World Cup standings leader Henrik Kristoffersen finished fourth to maintain his position at the top, 25 points clear of Meillard, who moved from third to second.
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