Atle Lie McGrath secured victory in the Slalom World Cup at the alpine ski racer final. Linus Straßer improved in the second run and made up a few places.
The German slalom specialist came ninth (+2.38 seconds) in the last race of the season in Hafjell (Norway) and ended the winter somewhat forgivingly.
Only in Kitzbühel did Straßer make it onto the podium in third place this season. He has a total of four top 10 placements this season. Even at the Olympic Games, a medal remained out of reach.
Small crystal ball for McGrath – victory for Haugan
Atle Lie McGrath secured the small crystal ball for the best slalom skier of the season. The Norwegian defended his lead in the discipline rankings in eighth place over the Frenchman Clement Noel. Marco Odermatt (Switzerland) had already won the overall World Cup by a large margin.
Timon Haugan, another local hero, had every reason to be happy that day in Hafjell. The 29-year-old caught the Swiss Loic Meillard (+0.44 seconds) in the final and celebrated his sixth World Cup victory in the slalom. Eduard Hallberg from Finland came third (+1.03).
Straßer improves in the second run
At the halfway point of the race, Straßer was already far from the podium in 13th place. He started bravely with start number twelve and was able to gain a few tenths straight away. Then, however, the sharply decreasing slope became his downfall, so he lost a lot of time in the second part of the route.
In the final round, the 33-year-old was much more dynamic and only wobbled a little when entering the finish slope. Nevertheless, he was still able to move up a few places. But the journey came too late to attack the podium.
McGrath cries with happiness
In the fight for victory in the discipline ranking, McGrath initially lost a few tenths of a second and thus opened the door wide for Lucas Pinheiro Braathen. The Brazilian, who had secured the giant slalom ball just the day before, then showed nerves and was eliminated.
Because the Frenchman Noel was no longer able to catch up decisively, McGrath was assured of the little crystal ball. Afterwards it became emotional as the Norwegian lay in the arms of his best friend Braathen, sobbing with happiness.
