World champion Loic Meillard leads Kitzbühel slalom after 1st run. Atle Lie McGrath skies out

The Hahnenkamm weekend in Kitzbühel, Austria kicked off with an exciting slalom race where Loic Meillard, the reigning world champion, set the pace with the fastest time in the opening run. Meillard edged out Eduard Hallberg of Finland by 0.35 seconds, with Henrik Kristoffersen rounding out the top three.

Meillard, who clinched the world title in Austria last year, was on a mission to secure his first slalom win of the current season. Despite two podium finishes in December, the Swiss skier was hungry for victory. He had previously triumphed in a giant slalom event in France last month, showcasing his versatility on the slopes.

Atle Lie McGrath, the World Cup discipline leader, had a disappointing run as he skied out after a promising start. McGrath had claimed the top spot in the standings following a recent victory in Wengen, solidifying his status as a strong contender for the upcoming Milan Cortina Olympics. However, a missed gate derailed his chances in Kitzbühel.

Reflecting on his performance, McGrath expressed his disappointment, stating, “I was at the start with a good mindset. I really tried to push and stuff like that happens.” Despite this setback, McGrath remains a formidable force in the world of alpine skiing.

Paco Rassat, another standout skier with two wins under his belt this season, found himself in ninth place after the opening run. The Frenchman had a deficit of 0.95 seconds to make up on Meillard in the final run later that day, setting the stage for an intense battle on the slopes.

As the competition heats up in Kitzbühel, fans can expect thrilling action and fierce rivalries to unfold. Stay tuned for more updates on this exhilarating event.

For more skiing news and updates, visit: https://apnews.com/hub/alpine-skiing