Clement Noel Edges Out Lucas Pinheiro Braathen to Win World Cup Slalom Race in Adelboden, Switzerland

French skier Clement Noel navigated through challenging foggy conditions to clinch victory in a World Cup slalom race held in Adelboden, Switzerland. In a nail-biting finish, Noel secured his third win of the season by a mere 0.02 seconds, narrowly denying Brazil its first-ever World Cup skiing triumph.

The 2022 Olympic champion displayed remarkable skill, moving up from third place in the initial run to emerge victorious. His closest competitor, Lucas Pinheiro Braathen – a Norwegian-born racer representing Brazil – finished just fractions of a second behind Noel. Henrik Kristoffersen, Braathen’s former teammate, secured the third spot on the podium, trailing Noel by 0.14 seconds and maintaining his lead in the slalom standings over his French counterpart.

Manuel Feller, the leader after the first run, faced disappointment as he lost his advantage and ultimately skied out on the treacherous final slope. The Austrian athlete has struggled this season, failing to finish four slalom races in defense of his World Cup title.

Pinheiro Braathen’s impressive performance matched Brazil’s best result in World Cup skiing, following his runner-up position in a giant slalom event at Beaver Creek, Colorado, last month. The adverse weather conditions on the Chuenisbaergli hill posed a significant challenge for all competitors, with steady snowfall in the morning and thick fog affecting visibility during the afternoon’s second run.

To mitigate the risk of cancellation due to poor weather, the slalom race originally scheduled for Sunday was brought forward a day. This adjustment allowed the iconic Adelboden giant slalom event, a staple on the men’s World Cup circuit since 1967, to take place on Sunday.

Looking ahead to the giant slalom race, Swiss skier Marco Odermatt, the current leader in both the World Cup overall and giant slalom standings, is favored to secure his fourth consecutive victory in a competition that holds great significance for Switzerland.

Overall, the World Cup slalom race in Adelboden showcased the resilience and skill of top-tier athletes, navigating challenging conditions to deliver a thrilling spectacle for skiing enthusiasts worldwide.