Meillard Takes GS Win In Schladming
It was a Swiss 1-2 on the podium as Loic Meillard led the way in the giant slalom. The men’s Audi FIS World Cup tour continued in Schladming, Austria with a thrilling giant slalom race under the lights in foggy conditions. This giant slalom race was unique, as it was a night race. Historically night races are held for slalom, but to make up the canceled Garmisch giant slalom, a night race was added to the Schladming schedule.
It was Loic Meillard (SUI) who shone brightest, outpacing the field by 0.59 seconds to capture the victory. Meillard had the fastest first run of the field and carried the momentum to top the podium.
“It was pretty good. It was difficult to get in a rhythm with yesterday and the late finish. I felt good, I like the snow and I like that slope. So, it was cool,” said Meillard.
It is the second career World Cup victory for Meillard and the first in giant slalom. It is the 14th World Cup podium of his career. Despite the absence of superstar Marco Odermatt (SUI), the success for the Swiss team did not stop with Meillard. Coming down the hill as the penultimate skier of the night, Gino Caviezel (SUI) battled through nerves to take the lead before being overtaken by his Swiss teammate.
“It is awesome. It was a really nice race. I love the night events. Sure, I wanted to win but being on the podium with Loic is great, we are good friends. My speed is back and I feel good on the GS skis,” said Caviezel. Caviezel took second, it is only the third career World Cup podium for the 30-year-old.
Marco Schwarz (AUT) had the 14th fastest first run but bounced back in a huge way in his second run down the hill. The Austrian led the field for most of the night before finally finishing third.
“It is amazing. It my first ever GS podium in World Cup so I am happy. My second run was great. My first run I was very angry at the start. With the second, I told myself, full gas, and it worked out well,” said Schwarz.
Schwarz almost brought home the glory in front of the home crowd as the highest-finishing Austrian. 21-year-old Aleksander Steen Olsen (NOR) continued his successful season with a strong fourth-place finish. Henrik Kristoffersen (NOR) was chasing his first giant slalom win but suffered one big slip near the final gate to end up fifth.
Aleksander Aamodt Kilde (NOR) put together solid runs and nailed the final gates in his second run to finish eighth to gain crucial points in the race for the overall title.
The red bib leader in slalom Lucas Braathen (NOR) came out with a poor first run and could not make up the time on his second run to finish a disappointing tenth.
Leading the U.S. men was River Radamus, ending the day in 21st place. Through a strong first run, Radamus skied smart throughout the race, especially at the top where he clocked his fastest splits. Independent athlete with Global Racing, representing the U.S.A., Brian McLaughlin, placed 23rd for the day. In the second run he was knifing, until he had a sizeable mistake, but still ending in the green and moving up a few spots.
“I was really happy with the skiing today, I had a few big mistakes but still happy,” said McLaughlin. “I’m happy I feel like this is something to build off of and I will try to reel it in for next race.”
“This is really cool I think they should do more of these, the crowd is really great, and the atmosphere is amazing,” said McLaughlin.
