Loïc Meillard took 3rd place in the Levi World Cup slalom. The Valaisan of Neuchâtel origin was only beaten by Clément Noël and Henrik Kristoffersen.
Loïc Meillard is indeed there and that was not guaranteed after the injury which prevented him from participating in the Sölden giant. Victim of a tear in the back, between vertebrae, the skier from Hérémence was only able to confirm his participation this week.
And to get his seventh podium in the discipline, the Valaisan had to complete two high-quality rounds. His first was more successful than his second, but the important thing is that it allowed him to get on the box. Because in the end, only Clément Noël and Henrik Kristoffersen went faster than him. Noël played the untouchables with a lead of 0”80 over the Norwegian and 0”95 over Meillard.
Switzerland was able to get excited a second time thanks to Tanguy Nef’s 5th place. Disappointing last winter, the skier from Veyrier made a return to the forefront. The Genevan, who had not been in the top 10 since January 2022 in Schladming, even obtained the best result of his career.
Between the two Helvetians, we find Lucas Pinheiro Braathen. Now operating under the Brazilian flag, the Norwegian proved that his white season last year did not alter his talent.
Disappointing Zenhäusern and Yule
It went less well for the two Valaisans Ramon Zenhäusern (20th) and Daniel Yule (22nd). The two men fell back in the hierarchy during their second stint, without us being able to speak of an impactful first effort.
Luca Aerni never found the key on this track and unfortunately did not make the cut with his 41st place at 2”39. As for Marc Rochat, he was eliminated in the morning, seeming unable to control his skis optimally, as if his slats lacked grip.
For his first slalom in 2072 days, Marcel Hirscher was unable to take part in a second round, finishing 47th at 2”59. Slalom riders will have the opportunity to do it again next weekend during the Gurgl events.
Swiss
