In a stunning display of skill and determination, Lucas Pinheiro Braathen surged to the forefront during the opening run of the men’s World Cup slalom in Levi, Finland, on Sunday. The Brazilian skier, who switched national allegiances from Norway to Brazil last season, finished 0.41 seconds ahead of 2022 Olympic champion Clement Noel of France and 0.49 seconds ahead of his former Norwegian teammate Timon Haugan. With the final leg of the race set for later that day, Pinheiro Braathen positioned himself for what could be Brazil’s first-ever victory in a top-level ski race, just months before the Milan Cortina Olympics. Pinheiro Braathen, a technical specialist who debuted on the World Cup circuit in 2018, has already secured five race wins and the season-long slalom title in 2022-23. His journey has been marked by challenges, including a year-long hiatus following a dispute with the Norwegian ski federation over personal marketing rights. Since his return, he has represented Brazil, his mother’s homeland, and achieved five podium finishes. In a September interview with The Associated Press, Pinheiro Braathen expressed confidence, stating, ‘It will come, and it’s coming soon,’ referring to his first win for Brazil. Meanwhile, skiing legend Marcel Hirscher, who also switched federations before his comeback last year, opted to sit out Sunday’s race, delaying his return from injury until January. Hirscher, an eight-time overall World Cup champion for Austria, now competes for the Netherlands, his mother’s native country. His comeback season was cut short in December due to a knee injury sustained during slalom training. As the competition heats up, all eyes are on Pinheiro Braathen, who could make history for Brazil in the world of Alpine skiing.
Chasing Brazil’s first Alpine skiing World Cup win, Pinheiro Braathen leads slalom after 1st run
