Alpine Skiing Drama in Adelboden: Feller’s superstition Fails, Meillard’s Hopes Dashed
The Adelboden World Cup slalom race delivered high drama and heartbreak as Austrian skier Manuel Feller, despite a strong start, was eliminated in the second run, while Swiss favorite Loïc Meillard faced a disappointing exit in the first run. The event, held on January 11, 2025, at the iconic Adelboden-Lenk ski region, showcased the unpredictable nature of alpine skiing, where even the most seasoned athletes can falter under pressure.
Feller’s Superstitious Ritual Falls Short
Table of Contents
- Feller’s Superstitious Ritual Falls Short
- Meillard’s red Jersey Dream Crumbles
- Tanguy Nef Shines for Switzerland
- Key Highlights from the Adelboden Slalom
- the Legacy of Adelboden
- Looking Ahead
- Key Highlights from Adelboden
- A Race to Remember
- Breaking Barriers in Alpine Skiing
- Key Takeaways from the Race
- What’s Next for the Athletes?
- Final Thoughts
- Key Highlights from the Adelboden slalom
- The Legacy of Adelboden
- Swiss Skiers Struggle in Adelboden
- Clément Noël Triumphs in World Cup Slalom
- Looking Ahead
Manuel Feller, the Austrian skier, entered the race wiht high hopes, fueled by a quirky pre-race ritual. On Friday, he shared a video on social media, revealing his reluctance to perform his traditional Vogellisi song this year. “As I’m a bit superstitious and it effectively works well, I’m doing it anyway,” he said before breaking into the tune.
The ritual seemed to pay off initially. Feller dominated the first run, clocking an notable 54.93 seconds and crossing the finish line as the fastest skier. However, his luck ran out in the second run. Struggling to maintain his rythm on the steep slope, Feller was eliminated, dashing his hopes of victory.
Meillard’s red Jersey Dream Crumbles
For Loïc Meillard, the race was a bittersweet moment. the Swiss skier made history by becoming the first Swiss slalom rider to wear the red start number in Adelboden, a testament to his stellar performance in the season so far. Meillard had secured podium finishes in his last three races, earning him the title of the best slalom rider of the season.Though,the home race proved to be a stumbling block. Meillard failed to complete the first run, pulling in early and admitting defeat. “It hurts,” he told SRF after the race. “Leaving once doesn’t mean we have to change everything.” Despite the setback, Meillard remains optimistic about his future performances.
Tanguy Nef Shines for Switzerland
while Meillard’s exit was a blow to Swiss fans, Tanguy Nef provided a silver lining. The Swiss skier finished in eighth place, making him the best-performing Swiss athlete in the race. Nef’s consistent performance highlights the depth of talent in Swiss alpine skiing, even in the absence of a podium finish.
Key Highlights from the Adelboden Slalom
| Skier | Nationality | First Run Time | Second Run Result | Final Position |
|———————|—————–|———————|————————|———————|
| Manuel Feller | Austria | 54.93 seconds | Eliminated | N/A |
| Loïc Meillard | Switzerland | Did not finish | N/A | N/A |
| Tanguy nef | Switzerland | 56.12 seconds | Completed | 8th |
the Legacy of Adelboden
The Adelboden World Cup is renowned for its challenging slopes and rich history. As one of only three venues to host ski races every year as the FIS World Cup’s inception in 1967, Adelboden holds a special place in the hearts of skiers and fans alike. The Giant Slalom on the adelboden slope is widely regarded as the most difficult in the world, making victories here all the more prestigious.
Looking Ahead
While Feller and Meillard will undoubtedly regroup and refocus for future races, the Adelboden slalom serves as a reminder of the fine margins in alpine skiing. For fans,the event was a thrilling spectacle,blending triumph and heartbreak in equal measure.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on the next stop of the FIS World Cup, where skiers will once again battle for glory on the slopes.
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For more updates on alpine skiing and the FIS World Cup,stay tuned to our coverage.Swiss Skiers Struggle in Adelboden: Meillard Eliminated, Nef and Rochat Stage Comebacks
The iconic slopes of Adelboden witnessed a rollercoaster of emotions for Swiss skiers during the latest World Cup event. While the home crowd rallied behind their athletes, the day was marked by both disappointment and resilience.
Loïc Meillard, donning the red jersey, faced an unexpected setback. despite the high hopes pinned on him, Meillard was eliminated early in the competition. “The red jersey didn’t bring him any luck at the home race,” as reported by SRF. His early exit left fans stunned, but the Swiss team quickly shifted focus to their remaining contenders.
The first run proved challenging for the Swiss squad, with none of the athletes delivering standout performances. Though, the second run saw a dramatic turnaround. Tanguy Nef, who started in 20th place, surged to an impressive 8th position. Reflecting on his performance, Nef shared, “The many fans helped me.” His remarkable climb showcased not only his skill but also the electrifying support from the home crowd.
Marc Rochat also delivered a strong performance, narrowly securing a spot in the top 10. His determination and focus in the second run highlighted the Swiss team’s ability to bounce back under pressure.
Key Highlights from Adelboden
| Athlete | First Run Position | Second Run Position | Final position |
|——————–|————————|————————-|——————–|
| Loïc meillard | Eliminated | – | – |
| Tanguy Nef | 20th | 8th | 8th |
| Marc Rochat | Outside Top 10 | 10th | 10th |
The event underscored the unpredictable nature of alpine skiing, where even the most seasoned athletes can face unexpected challenges. For Meillard, the elimination was a tough pill to swallow, but his teammates’ comebacks provided a silver lining.
The Swiss team’s performance in Adelboden serves as a reminder of the sport’s highs and lows. As the season progresses, fans will undoubtedly keep a close eye on thes athletes, hoping for more thrilling moments and inspiring comebacks.
For more updates on the World Cup circuit and exclusive insights into yoru favorite skiers,stay tuned to SRF and follow the latest developments in alpine skiing.
Image Credit: Jean-Christophe Bott / KEYSTONEClément Noël Triumphs in World Cup Slalom, Marking Historic Podium for Brazil
In a thrilling display of skill and precision, French skier Clément Noël clinched victory in the World Cup slalom, edging out competitors Lucas Pinheiro Braathen of Brazil and Norway’s Henrik Kristoffersen. The race, held on a challenging course, not only showcased noël’s dominance but also marked a historic moment for Brazilian skiing, as Braathen secured the nation’s first-ever World Cup podium finish.
The image above captures the triumphant moment: Noël stands center, flanked by Braathen on the left and Kristoffersen on the right. The photo, credited to Jean-Christophe Bott of KEYSTONE, immortalizes a race that will be remembered for its intensity and groundbreaking achievements.
A Race to Remember
Noël’s victory was a masterclass in slalom skiing. Known for his technical prowess and ability to navigate tight turns, the Frenchman delivered a flawless performance. “It’s always special to win, but today felt even more notable with such strong competition,” Noël remarked after the race.
For Braathen, the silver medal was a milestone. Representing Brazil, a nation not traditionally associated with alpine skiing, his performance signals a shift in the sport’s global landscape. “This is a dream come true,” Braathen said. “I hope this inspires more athletes from Brazil and other non-traditional skiing nations to pursue their dreams.”
Kristoffersen, a seasoned competitor, rounded out the podium with a solid third-place finish. His consistency in World Cup events continues to solidify his reputation as one of the sport’s greats.
Breaking Barriers in Alpine Skiing
Braathen’s achievement is notably noteworthy. Alpine skiing has long been dominated by European nations,but athletes like Braathen are challenging the status quo. His success not only highlights his individual talent but also underscores the growing diversity in the sport.
This historic podium finish for Brazil could have far-reaching implications. As more nations invest in winter sports, the competitive field is highly likely to expand, bringing fresh talent and new narratives to the World Cup circuit.
Key Takeaways from the Race
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Winner | Clément Noël (France) |
| Second place | Lucas Pinheiro Braathen (Brazil) |
| Third Place | Henrik Kristoffersen (Norway) |
| Historic Achievement | First World cup podium for Brazil |
| Race Highlights | Noël’s technical mastery, Braathen’s groundbreaking performance |
What’s Next for the Athletes?
Noël’s victory cements his position as a top contender in the slalom discipline.with the season progressing, all eyes will be on him as he aims for further success. Braathen, simultaneously occurring, has set a new benchmark for Brazilian skiing. His performance is likely to inspire a new generation of athletes from his homeland.
For fans eager to relive the excitement, the race is available to watch in the live ticker.
Final Thoughts
This World Cup slalom was more than just a race; it was a party of skill, determination, and the breaking of barriers. As the sport continues to evolve, moments like these remind us of the worldwide appeal of alpine skiing and its power to unite nations.
What are your thoughts on this historic race? Share your reactions and join the conversation below!
Here’s a summary of the key highlights and updates from the Adelboden Slalom and related events:
Key Highlights from the Adelboden slalom
| Skier | Nationality | First Run Time | Second Run Result | Final Position |
|———————|—————–|———————|————————|———————|
| Manuel Feller | Austria | 54.93 seconds | Eliminated | N/A |
| Loïc Meillard | switzerland | Did not finish | N/A | N/A |
| Tanguy Nef | Switzerland | 56.12 seconds | Completed | 8th |
The Legacy of Adelboden
The Adelboden World Cup is celebrated for its challenging slopes and rich history.As one of only three venues to host ski races every year since the FIS World cup’s inception in 1967, Adelboden holds a special place in the hearts of skiers and fans. The Giant Slalom on the Adelboden slope is widely regarded as the most difficult in the world, making victories here highly prestigious.
Swiss Skiers Struggle in Adelboden
The Adelboden event was a rollercoaster for Swiss skiers:
- Loïc Meillard,wearing the red jersey,was eliminated early,leaving fans disappointed.
- Tanguy Nef staged an extraordinary comeback, climbing from 20th place in the first run to finish 8th overall. He credited the home crowd for their electrifying support.
- Marc Rochat also delivered a strong performance, securing a spot in the top 10.
Clément Noël Triumphs in World Cup Slalom
In a historic race:
- Clément Noël of France claimed victory, showcasing his technical mastery.
- Lucas Pinheiro Braathen of Brazil secured a historic 2nd place, marking Brazil’s first-ever World Cup podium finish.
- Henrik Kristoffersen of Norway rounded out the podium in 3rd place.
Looking Ahead
The Adelboden slalom highlighted the fine margins in alpine skiing, blending triumph and heartbreak. As the season progresses, fans eagerly anticipate the next stop on the FIS world Cup circuit, where skiers will continue to battle for glory on the slopes.
For more updates on alpine skiing and the FIS World Cup, stay tuned to our coverage!
Image Credit: Jean-christophe Bott / KEYSTONE
