The Hérémence skier finished 2nd in the Madonna di Campiglio night slalom, won by the astonishing Bulgarian Albert Popov, to take the lead in the discipline rankings. Daniel Yule was ranked 7th, and Tanguy Nef 15th.
Second on the first course, 0”62 behind the Norwegian Atle Lie McGrath, Loïc Meillard was unable to do anything against Albert Popov, author of a second fiery round which allowed him to move from 8th to 1st place. But he held on to the shock, unlike McGrath who made a mistake on an icy track.
Meillard ultimately conceded 0”44 to Albert Popov, who at the age of 27 picked up his first success on the White Circus. His consistency this winter in slalom is dazzling: 3rd, 5th, 3rd, 2nd and 2nd again. It allows him to take 1st place in the slalom World Cup, 10 points ahead of Henrik Kristoffersen (5th Wednesday).
Winner in 2018, 2020 and 2022 at Madonna, Daniel Yule has not achieved such a feat. The Valaisan, 18th after the initial round, managed a good comeback to obtain his best result of the season. He is gaining momentum, but a mistake made on the second course undoubtedly cost him a place in the top 5.
-Tanguy Nef, 19th 0”03 behind his compatriot at the end of the first route, however did not find the solution in the second round. The Genevan took advantage of the numerous eliminations to enter the final top 15. But he was far from performing at the level that allowed him to finish 5th in mid-November in Levi.
Von Grünigen eliminated
Fourth Swiss present in the second round, Noel von Grünigen, however, missed the boat. The 29-year-old Bernese, who is no longer part of the Swiss-Ski executives, made a mistake a few doors from the finish. This elimination is frustrating for a skier who has only scored points in the World Cup three times.
