Yule Wins Kitz’ SL, GB’s Ryding Second

Daniel Yule (SUI) won for the second time on the famed Kitzbuehel hill (Agence Zoom) In a thrilling race that came down to the wire, Daniel Yule (SUI) emerged victorious on the Ganslern slalom course at Kitzbuehel. Yule claimed his second career victory on the Austrian course, his second slalom win of this Audi FIS World Cup season. He moves in to second in the overall slalom standings.

In 2020, Yule was the first Swiss to triumph on the Ganslernhang since Dumeng Giovanoli in 1968. In 2018 he was third. Yule secured his second victory in Kitzbühel with a strong second run on the pimply hard slope he prefers. In this he pushed his way from 7th place to the top with the third best time.

“It is amazing. It is one of the biggest races of the year. To win here again is unbelievable especially after a tough season the last win. So, to come back here and win feels unbelievable,” said Yule.

It is only the second podium this season for Yule and the 14th of his career, all in slalom.

Finishing 0.40 seconds behind Yule in second was Dave Ryding (GBR). Ryding put together the fastest second run of the field and held second place after finishing 16th after the first run. Ryding raised his game to finish a nearly flawless technical run to crash the podium.

“The fans are the best in Austria. I have to give everything, they support me. It brings the best out of me. Yeah it is difficult but when the going gets tough, the tough get going. I just went all in. The first run was no good so all in was all I could do,” said Ryding.

It is the third time Ryding has made the podium in Kitzbuehel and the sixth career podium of his career. It is the first top-three finish for the Brit since a second place in slalom at Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany last February.

Rounding out the podium was Lucas Braathen (NOR), just 0.41 off the lead pace. It is the fifth podium of the season for the 22-year-old Norwegian.

“It is incredible. I cannot believe it. Being back here in Kitzbuehel with fans again is a victory in itself. This is just something else. I cannot believe I got to experience the podium again. Next mission is to win this thing,” said Braathen.

Braathen now takes the lead and the red bib in the overall slalom standings.

“I think it suits me better this red bid, so I thought I had to claim it back,” said Braathen.

He overtakes his countryman Henrik Kristoffersen (NOR) who could not overcome a rough first run and finished fifth on the Ganslern. The two will continue to battle for the globe throughout the season.

Elsewhere on the table Linus Strasser (GER) struggled in his second run and finished fourth.

Manuel Feller (AUT) posted the fastest time in the first run but could not give the home Austrian fans a reason to celebrate as he did not finish in the second run.