Steen Olsen leads skiing World Cup opener, Hirscher qualifies for 2nd run in comeback race – Sports

SOELDEN, Austria (AP) — Norwegian skier Alexander Steen Olsen posted the fastest first run time in the season-opening men’s World Cup giant slalom on Sunday after defending champion Marco Odermatt skied out.

Austria’s Marcel Hirscher, who retired after five years to start for the Netherlands, was 2.29 seconds behind Steen Olsen in 28th place and the eight-time record champion just qualified for the final run later on Sunday, in which only the top -30 finishers may start.

Former Slalom World Cup winner Lucas Pinheiro Braathen, returning after a year’s rest and a move from the Norwegian to the Brazilian federation, started 41st and easily made the cut to finish 19th.

Odermatt, who dominated the GS discipline last season by winning nine of the ten races, started strongly in perfect sunny conditions on the Rettenbach Glacier, setting the fastest split times at the first two checkpoints.

However, later he suddenly lost control of his left ski and slid off the track.

“Sure, we are all human and mistakes can happen. I took a risk today that this could happen,” Odermatt said.

“I was very satisfied with my skiing. Until then I felt really perfect, so I take that with me, not the fault.”

Odermatt’s Swiss teammate Loic Meillard, who finished second in the overall standings last season, did not start after hurting his back during a warm-up shortly before the race.

Steen Olsen earned his lead by setting the fastest time in the final section, where he made up enough time to beat Filip Zubcic of Croatia by 0.02 seconds and Norwegian teammate Henrik Kristoffersen by 0.08 seconds respectively.

Steen Olsen was on his third career podium after winning a slalom in Palisades Tahoe, California, two seasons ago and finishing second in a GS in Bansko, Bulgaria, in February.

Hirscher, wearing an orange and white racing suit, put in a consistent run without any major mistakes until he reached the bottom section, where he lost significant time.

“It went pretty well until halfway up the steep slope, then I got to my racing line too late and almost slid off the course,” Hirscher told Austrian television.

“It was cool, it turned out so well. About two seconds behind, that was also the case in training, so I’m very happy.” ___

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