Lucas Braathen plays his symphony in the 3Tre first run
The Norwegian rising star clocked the best time in the first half of the race in Madonna di Campiglio, ahead of Meillard and Strasser. Great atmosphere on the Canalone, despite home favorite Vinatzer already out of the game
No matter the warm temperatures of the last few days, the Canalone Miramonti lived up to its fame by offering an amazing slope for the first run of the 3Tre FIS Ski Alpine World Cup Night Slalom. The weather added some work to the burden of the team of Course Director Adriano Alimonta, but still the riders found optimal terrain to express themselves in Madonna on December 22nd.
Winner of the first seasonal slalom in Val d'Isere, young Norwegian Lucas Braathen clocked the best time (49:30) in the first run, confirming Norway’s team status as pre-race favorites. His fellow Countryman Henrik Kristoffersen sits in 5th place after the first run, and is still in pursuit on his fourth victory on the Canalone Miramonti.
Bib #1 Loic Meillard took the second spot (49:72, +0:42) ahead of German Linus Strasser (49:80), slightly faster than Daniel Yule (49:85) and Kristoffersen himself (50:04).
The home fans suffered the DNF of Alex Vinatzer. Tommaso Sala (50:35) and Giuliano Razzoli (50:55) are 13th and 16th, amd look like long shots for the podium spots. The night slalom might look like a game of three Nations (Norway-Switzerland-Germany), but the battle is still open for the second run at 20:45 CET, a great show to enjoy for everyone on the crowded Canalone Miramonti.
