Schladming: Kristoffersen claims historic 5th win, Noël seizes podium

Henrik Kristoffersen (NOR) etched his name further into Schladming Nightrace history by claiming his fifth slalom victory on the Planai (1:53.80), becoming the sole record holder. The 2025 slalom globe winner, who resides in Schladming, triumphed through exemplary consistency (2nd R1, 2nd R2) ahead of compatriot Atle Lie McGrath (+0.34), who led after the first run but was overtaken in the final. Yet the evening's star was Clément Noël (FRA), author of the fastest second run (1:00.34) to secure a brilliant third place (+0.54) after a spectacular comeback from 8th position. On a merciless, technical and twisting second course, the race wreaked havoc: Loïc Meillard (3rd R1) and Paco Rassat (4th R1) both crashed out, while 25 DNFs total punctuated a breathtaking evening before 45,000 spectators.

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Kristoffersen: A Historic Fifth Triumph

Henrik Kristoffersen struck again on his favorite slope. With this fifth slalom victory in Schladming, the Norwegian becomes the sole record holder and confirms his status as undisputed master of the Planai night race.

Second after the first run, 0.15 behind McGrath, Kristoffersen never panicked. In the second run, he delivered the second-fastest time (1:00.53, +0.19) to overturn his compatriot and claim victory. A performance of clinical consistency, without flourish but devastatingly effective.

For the 2025 slalom globe holder, this victory arrives at the perfect moment, two weeks before the Milano-Cortina Olympics. "It's a slope I love, I live here," confides the Schladming resident. The Norwegian sends a powerful message to his rivals: he will be the man to beat in slalom at the Games.

Noël: The Sensational Run That Saved Everything

Disappointed after an average first run (8th, +0.88), Clément Noël delivered an anthological second run to secure his third podium of the season. The reigning Beijing 2022 Olympic champion literally carved up the icy Planai wall like no one else.

With the fastest second-run time of 1:00.34, Noël demolished the competition, relegating Kristoffersen to 19 hundredths behind. Despite a small error at the top of the course, the Frenchman then delivered a technical masterclass through the middle section, dominating the second sector by 26 hundredths.

This performance comes at the perfect time before the Olympics. Noël, who will defend his Olympic title in Bormio on February 16, proves he's peaking at the right moment. The podium on the legendary Nightrace, before 45,000 spectators under the floodlights, constitutes an excellent dress rehearsal.

McGrath: Victory Slips Away

Atle Lie McGrath thought he had victory in hand. Leader after the first run with a time of 53.12, the Norwegian held only a 15-hundredth advantage over Kristoffersen. Too slim to allow any approximation.

In the final, McGrath managed only the seventh-fastest time (1:01.02, +0.68) and watched his compatriot snatch victory by 34 hundredths. A cruel disappointment, but a silver medal that nevertheless allows him to take the lead in the World Cup slalom standings ahead of Lucas Pinheiro Braathen.

Rassat and Meillard: The Favorites' Nightmare

The second run delivered its share of cruel disappointments. Paco Rassat and Loïc Meillard, excellently positioned after the first run, both fell victim to the merciless course.

Paco Rassat, fourth at halfway by just 63 hundredths, experienced a nightmare from the first sector. A major error at the top cost him nearly four seconds (+3.89, slowest sector time) before he abandoned. The brutal end of a podium dream for the Frenchman who had delivered an excellent first run.

Loïc Meillard, third after the first run by only 44 hundredths, could have challenged for victory. Strong in the first sector (-0.22, 9th time), the Swiss crashed out in the second. An elimination that deprived the circuit of a promising duel with Kristoffersen.

R2 Course: Technical Massacre

The second run, set with a highly technical and twisting layout, proved a veritable trap for the favorites. The course broke speed gains and demanded millimetric precision in direction changes.

Result: nine DNFs from thirty starters in the second run (30% elimination), including 3rd, 4th, 6th and 7th from the first run. Only pure technicians like Noël, or attackers like Ritchie and Sturm, managed to navigate successfully.

First Run: McGrath Leads, Rassat Lurking

The first run delivered breathtaking action on hard, icy snow—more stable than in yesterday's giant slalom but still treacherous. Atle Lie McGrath, starting with bib 1, set a solid reference at 53.12.

Henrik Kristoffersen, with bib 2, stayed within 15 hundredths, while Loïc Meillard (bib 3) completed a promising top three at 44 hundredths. But the surprise came from Paco Rassat, an excellent fourth at 63 hundredths with bib 6.

Clément Noël occupied only eighth place at 88 hundredths, suggesting a difficult battle in the second run. The eighteen first-run DNFs (26% elimination) testified to the difficulty of conditions, notably including German Linus Strasser's crash despite a strong start.

Conditions: Hard Snow but More Stable Course

Racing conditions proved extremely demanding throughout the evening. With sub-zero temperatures and snow classified as "hard," the Planai proved as selective as in yesterday's giant slalom.

However, the course proved more stable than in giant slalom, allowing technicians to express themselves better. Grip remained difficult to manage, especially for high bibs in the first run. Result: 25 DNFs total (18 in R1, 9 in R2 including 2 DNS), yielding only a 30% finisher rate.

Evening anecdote: numerous spectacular crashes, some skiers launching into figures worthy of freestyle skiing. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, allowing smiles at these involuntarily artistic moments.

French Campaign: Noël Shines, Rassat Collapses

The French team experienced a bittersweet evening in Schladming. While Clément Noël secured a superb podium, Paco Rassat's collapse marked minds.

Clément Noël finished third (+0.54) thanks to an exceptional second run. His third podium of the season confirms his rising form approaching the Olympics. Victor Muffat-Jeandet placed 16th (+3.35), securing valuable points.

But the evening will be remembered for Paco Rassat's elimination, excellently positioned in fourth after the first run. His first sector R2 disaster (+3.89) then abandonment illustrates the technical course's cruelty. Four French skiers didn't see the first run finish (Antoine Azzolin, Auguste Aulnette) or failed to qualify (Hugo Desgrippes 35th, Steven Amiez 41st).

Nice Note: Aihara, the Smiling Loser

Special mention for Japanese racer Shiro Aihara, 31st in the first run at only 2.89 with bib 61. Missing second-run qualification by just one place, Aihara displayed jovial and gracious sportsmanship at the finish, clearly content with his run despite the frustration. A beautiful lesson in sporting spirit in difficult circumstances.

Next Stop: Crans-Montana

The World Cup continues this weekend in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, site of the 2027 World Championships. Both men and women will compete in their final races before the Olympic break.

After this memorable evening on the Planai, attention now turns to the Milano-Cortina Olympics (February 6-22). Men's slalom, the final Alpine skiing event, is scheduled for February 16 in Bormio. Kristoffersen, Noël and McGrath will be the favorites for gold.

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