Henrik Kristoffersen won his first giant slalom of the season in Kranjska Gora, Slovenia, delivering a strong second run. He finished ahead of fellow competitor Lucas Pinheiro Braathen and Marco Odermatt, securing a significant 0.41-second victory. Kristoffersen’s win brings his total to 32 World Cup victories, narrowing the points gap in the giant slalom standings.
Henrik Kristoffersen achieved a remarkable victory in the giant slalom in Kranjska Gora, Slovenia, marking his first win of the season. Having led after the first run, he faced a challenge from Lucas Pinheiro Braathen, who was competing for Brazil after switching allegiance from Norway. Despite Braathen’s impressive second run, Kristoffersen maintained his composure and outperformed the remaining competitors. With a winning time of 2 minutes and 18.18 seconds, he finished 0.41 seconds ahead of Braathen and 0.52 seconds clear of Marco Odermatt, who took third place.
Kristoffersen expressed his satisfaction with the race, stating, “This means a lot, it was a really nice race, almost better on the second run.” This victory elevated Kristoffersen’s career total to 32 World Cup wins, eight of which are in giant slalom. In terms of the giant slalom standings, he has now reduced the gap to leader Odermatt to just 41 points, with only two races remaining in the season.
The day also witnessed Raphael Haaser from Austria securing seventh place, which showcased the intense competition that characterizes the World Cup events. Meanwhile, Marco Odermatt, the reigning super-G champion, continues to hold a substantial lead in the overall standings as the season progresses, with ten races yet to take place.
In summary, Henrik Kristoffersen’s triumphant performance in Slovenia has not only marked his first victory of the season but has also positioned him closer in the competition for the giant slalom title. His ability to fend off the challenge from Lucas Pinheiro Braathen highlights the competitive nature of alpine skiing. As the season nears its conclusion, the battle for the World Cup lead intensifies with Kristoffersen aiming to close the gap on Odermatt.
Original Source: www.france24.com
