The Norwegians dominate the giant slalom and World Cup opener 2024 in Sölden

Today's start to the 2024/25 Alpine Skiing World Cup season in Sölden was dominated by advance reports on the two prominent returnees Lucas Braathen and Marcel Hirscher, who both made their comeback today. Spectators and experts were particularly unsure of what Marcel Hirscher could still achieve after more than 5 years of abstinence from the ski circus, and even Marcel Hirscher himself significantly lowered expectations. Almost exactly a year ago, Lucas Braathen gave a press conference at which he announced his retirement after he could no longer accept the conditions of the Norwegian Ski Association. Now he is back. Since his mother is Brazilian, he can compete for the Brazilian association. How many Brazilians have been successful in alpine skiing? Zero? Now Brazil has a real heavyweight in the team thanks to Norway, if you will.

Norwegians win collectively – Hirscher and Braathen's comeback impressive
The race was opened by favourite Marco Odermatt from Switzerland, who was happy that he was able to open a World Cup race for the first time, or was it the season that he was able to open that he was so happy about? No matter. The joy did not last long. Shortly after the start of the steep slope, he lost his ski and fell. The failure is not a good start to the season for the Swiss. Speaking of Swiss: Loïc Meillard also had to pull out, but this time because of back problems. That meant that two favourites had already dropped out. Alongside Kristoffersen, Kranjec and Zubcic, the young Norwegian Alexander Steen Olsen was particularly impressive with the fastest time in the first run. Lucas Pinheiro Braathen was able to work his way up from starting number to 19 and Marcel Hirscher ended up in 28th place. The second run suited the returnees, who were able to start first. Lucas Braathen conjured up the fastest time, Marcel Hirscher the third best time!!!!! You can't believe it. Are you kidding us? AMAZING! You don't have to be a fan to like Marcel Hirscher. After a five-year absence from the professional skiing circuit, the Austrian, who now rides for the Dutch team for the sake of his teammates, achieved the third best time in the second run. That is unbelievable, absolutely phenomenal. In the end, there were three Norwegians on the podium: Alexander Steen Olsen, thanks to the eighth best time in the second run, Henrik Kristoffersen and Atle Lie McGrath. And in fourth place was a fourth Norwegian, Lucas Pinheiro Braathen, who now rides for the Brazilian team. Have we ever seen the podium occupied by three or four Norwegians? A strong start to the 2024/25 Alpine Ski World Cup season for the Norwegians and what impressive performances from the two skiers Braathen and Hirscher, who made a successful comeback!