Norway’s Atle Lie McGrath delivered a masterful performance on the demanding Kirchenkar slope in Hochgurgl today, clocking the fastest time in the first run of the men’s slalom at the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup. The 25-year-old posted a blistering 52.12 seconds, edging out a tie for second place and setting the stage for what promises to be an explosive second run.
McGrath, starting with bib 5 and coming off a strong early-season form, attacked the icy, technical course with precision and aggression, building a slim but crucial 0.17-second advantage. Tied just behind him in second are Finland’s rising talent Eduard Hallberg and Switzerland’s Tanguy Nef, both stopping the clock at 52.29 seconds. Hallberg’s standout run marks another breakout moment for the Finn, while Nef continues to showcase Switzerland’s depth in technical events.
Norway flexed its slalom muscle further with Timon Haugan in fourth at +0.39 seconds, putting two Vikings in the top four. Germany’s Linus Strasser sits fifth (+0.41), followed closely by Austria’s Manuel Feller (+0.43) and France’s Olympic champion Clément Noël in seventh (+0.48). Home favorites Fabio Gstrein and Marco Schwarz are also lurking in the top 12, ensuring intense pressure in the decisive afternoon run.
The first run was electric from the start, with perfect early-season conditions under clear skies at the high-altitude venue. Several big names, including Brazil’s Lucas Pinheiro Braathen and Norway’s Henrik Kristoffersen, find themselves further back but well within striking distance for a charge in the flip.
“It felt great out there – the snow was aggressive, and I managed to stay on the attack the whole way,” McGrath said after his run. “Only 0.17 to the guys behind… anything can happen in the second!”
The second run, where the top 30 reverse order, kicks off at 13:30 CET. With margins this tight and the Gurgl slope known for its steep, unforgiving finish, expect fireworks as skiers battle for early points in the 2025/26 slalom standings.
Top 10 After First Run:
Atle Lie McGrath (NOR) – 52.12
Eduard Hallberg (FIN) – 52.29 (+0.17)
Tanguy Nef (SUI) – 52.29 (+0.17)
Timon Haugan (NOR) – 52.51 (+0.39)
Linus Strasser (GER) – 52.53 (+0.41)
Manuel Feller (AUT) – 52.55 (+0.43)
Clément Noël (FRA) – 52.60 (+0.48)
Fabio Gstrein (AUT) – 52.76 (+0.64)
Armand Marchant (BEL) – 52.77 (+0.65)
Alex Vinatzer (ITA) – 52.78 (+0.66)
Stay tuned – this one is wide open! ⚡️⛷️
