{"id":1814083,"date":"2026-03-08T05:50:22","date_gmt":"2026-03-08T02:50:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1814083"},"modified":"2026-03-08T05:50:22","modified_gmt":"2026-03-08T02:50:22","slug":"lucas-braathen-wins-giant-slalom-in-kranjska-gora-slovenia-and-heats-up-the-crystal-globe-hunt","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1814083","title":{"rendered":"Lucas Braathen Wins Giant Slalom in Kranjska Gora, Slovenia, And Heats Up the Crystal Globe Hunt"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Lucas Braathen claimed the first-ever World Cup Giant Slalom victory for Brazil. | Image: FIS Alpine<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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March 7 brought the first of two technical races in Kranjska Gora, Slovenia, where the men\u2019s field lined up for the final regular-season Giant Slalom before the World Cup Finals.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Related: <\/strong>[OLYMPICS] Brazil Makes History: Lucas Braathen Wins Olympic Giant Slalom Gold<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

World Cup leader Marco Odermatt had a chance to effectively secure the 2025\u201326 season Giant Slalom crystal globe ahead of the Finals, but Lucas Pinheiro Braathen spoiled those plans with a commanding performance, claiming victory and dramatically tightening the discipline standings. <\/strong>Rounding out the podium were Loic Meillard in second and Stefan Brennsteiner in third.<\/p>\n

The race followed the traditional Giant Slalom format: two runs with combined times deciding the result, with only the top 30 from the first run qualifying for the second.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Lucas Braathen, Loic Meillard, and Stefan Brennmeister celebrating with champagne. | Image: FIS Alpine<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Run 1<\/h2>\n

Opening the race was Marco Odermatt in bib 1.<\/strong> The Swiss star set the early pace with a time of 1:11.28. However, his lead was short-lived. Austria\u2019s Stefan Brennsteiner delivered an outstanding run, crossing the finish line 0.78 seconds faster to take the provisional lead.<\/p>\n