The Norwegian Atle Lie McGrath dominates the first round of the Wengen slalom, relegating his first pursuers to more than 4 tenths. The French Clément Noël, winner last week, is placed at the gates of the top 10. The second round promises to be thrilling…
On this snowy Sunday in Wengen, Switzerland, Norwegian Atle Lie McGrath showed his speed to take the lead in the first round of the slalom. As usual, McGrath went full throttle to complete the course in 54 sec 75, relegating his closest pursuers to more than 4 tenths.
His compatriot Henrik Kristoffersen, current leader of the slalom World Cup, placed second at 43 hundredths, closely followed by the Swiss Tanguy Nef (at 53 hundredths) and Daniel Yule (at 67 hundredths). A great performance from local skiers who did well on the Swiss slope.
Clément Noël on the verge of the top 10
On the French side, Clément Noël took 11th place in this first round, 1 sec 10 behind McGrath. The winner of the Adelboden slalom last week will have a lot to do to hope to get back on the podium during the second round scheduled for 1:15 p.m.
Behind the Norwegian, the ranking is very close with less than a second separating 2nd from 11th. Everything remains possible for this second act which promises to be exciting and undecided. The favorites will have to perform to maintain their rank, while the outsiders will try to pull out of the game to create a surprise.
McGrath in search of another podium
Atle Lie McGrath, author of three consecutive podiums before two exits, seems to have regained his rhythm and his confidence. If he manages to maintain his first place, he would sign his fourth podium of the season and consolidate his place in the top 5 of the specialty ranking.
But the competition will be tough with Henrik Kristoffersen determined to widen the gap at the top of the slalom rankings. The Norwegian, three-time winner this season, will aim for the top step of the podium to establish his domination.
-The Swiss in ambush at home
Tanguy Nef and Daniel Yule will be keen to shine in front of their audience. Third and fourth in the first round, they can create a surprise by achieving a perfect second round. The support of the Swiss public and their knowledge of the track could be decisive assets in their quest for a podium.
Behind, a group of skiers remain in ambush, ready to seize the slightest opportunity. The gaps are small and the route of the second round will be decisive. Clément Noël, despite his 11th place, has not said his last word and will try to make a comeback to grab a new top 5.
A decisive second round
As is often the case in slalom, the second round will be decisive in deciding between the best skiers on the circuit. Track conditions, pressure management and risk-taking will be the keys to succeeding in the game.
Atle Lie McGrath did the hardest part by opening up significant gaps in the first round. But he will have to resist the return of his direct competitors to achieve another victory and confirm his excellent start to the season.
Henrik Kristoffersen, leader of the discipline, will leave nothing to chance to consolidate his first place in the ranking. The Swiss Nef and Yule will have the advantage of the field and the public to aim for the podium. Clément Noël and the other skiers in the top 15 will have to pull out all the stops and hope for a misstep from the leaders to hope to appear on the box.
Response at 1:15 p.m. for a second act of the Wengen slalom which promises to be thrilling and full of twists and turns. The best specialists in the discipline are ready to do battle for this first major meeting of the year 2025 between the tight stakes.
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