In a pulse-pounding start to the 2025/26 FIS Alpine Ski World Cup slalom season, Brazilian sensation Lucas Pinheiro Braathen unleashed a ferocious first-run performance to seize the provisional lead at the iconic Levi Black course, igniting hopes of a historic podium for his adopted nation.
Under crisp Nordic skies and in front of a raucous crowd of Finnish faithful, the 25-year-old Braathen – who switched allegiance from Norway to Brazil ahead of his dramatic 2024 comeback from retirement – carved through the 62-gate course with surgical precision, clocking a blistering time that left his rivals scrambling. His aggressive line through the steep pitches and flawless recovery from a minor mid-section wobble set the benchmark, underscoring why he’s a two-time slalom World Cup champion (2022/23) and a perennial threat in the discipline.
“Today felt like everything clicked – the snow was perfect, and I just went for it,” Braathen said post-run, flashing his trademark grin while draped in the green-and-yellow colors of Brazil. “Levi always brings the fire, and I’m here to keep it burning.” His effort not only marks Brazil’s strongest-ever position in a men’s World Cup slalom but also signals a fierce resurgence for the ex-Viking, who missed much of last season nursing injuries.
Hot on his heels, France’s Olympic slalom gold medalist Clément Noël sits just 0.41 seconds adrift in second, his run a masterclass in controlled aggression marred only by a fleeting hesitation in the wall section. The 28-year-old, fresh off four World Cup wins last season, shrugged off the deficit with characteristic nonchalance: “Braathen’s fast, no doubt, but slalom is a two-run game. I’ve got the second half to turn this around.” Noël’s consistency – including a Levi victory 12 months ago – makes him the form favorite to defend his title and potentially snag his 12th career win.
Norway’s rising star Timon Haugan trails by 0.49 seconds in third, rounding out a podium packed with firepower. The 23-year-old, part of the “Attacking Vikings” contingent that claimed nearly half of last season’s slalom medals, powered through the lower flats with raw speed that evoked his third-place discipline finish in 2024/25. “I’m stoked – this group’s pushing everyone,” Haugan beamed, eyes already on the reverse-start second run. His teammate Henrik Kristoffersen, the 2024/25 slalom globe winner, lurks further back but remains a wildcard with his history of second-run heroics.
The buzz around Levi – a venue known for its floodlit drama and reindeer-themed celebrations – is palpable, with whispers of an “explosive” second run centered on American prospect Levi Laaksonen. The 21-year-old U.S. Ski Team riser, who stunned with a top-15 finish in his Levi debut last year, teed up a bold bib-12 effort that saw him slot into the top 10 midway. Fans and pundits alike are abuzz with predictions of a Laaksonen “bomb,” drawing parallels to underdog runs that have upended races here before. “Levi’s got that fire – watch him drop the hammer,” one spectator posted on X, echoing the electric atmosphere.
As the field resets for the decisive second descent at 13:00 CET, the Levi slope promises hairpin intrigue: Braathen’s lead is slender, the snow softening under warming temps, and the chasers – including Switzerland’s Loïc Meillard (world champion, +0.62) and Austria’s Manuel Feller (+0.71) – are primed to pounce. Qualifying the top 30 for the reverse-order finale, any gate straddle could shuffle the deck dramatically.
This opener isn’t just a race; it’s a statement for a reloaded field. With Norway’s Vikings hungry for dominance, Braathen’s Brazilian breakout, and Noël’s gold-medal grit, the crystal globe chase has ignited early. Tune in as Levi delivers its annual slalom symphony – where underdogs roar, favorites falter, and legends are forged in the frost.
