Henrik Kristoffersen and Lucas Braathen both put up great first laps in the slalom race in Wengen, Switzerland.
The second half starts at 13.15 and is broadcast on TV 3.
As the first starter, Braathen made the list with a time of 57.61 on the watery and salty course at Wengen.
“It felt really awful, but I know that based on how hard it was, I did a good job,” Braathen told Viaplay.
Braathen’s time was quickly beaten by Swiss Loïc Meillard, who finished 0.48 seconds quicker than the Norwegian but led by more along the way.
– I started slowly, I couldn’t get the pendulum out from the start. Maybe six-tenths in junior middle, that’s just ridiculous, said Braathen.
After being considered the best at driving, it was Meillard who led the way.
Just behind, however, followed a Norwegian. Because since starting number six, Kristoffersen appeared solid and placed himself between Meillard and Braathen in second place. Until Switzerland, there is 0.45 seconds before the second round.
Atle Lie McGrath, who came second at Adelboden two weeks ago, beaten only by Braathen, is fifth after the first round. In the goal area, he jabbed at England, who scored in the first half:
– It’s a British signed assassination attempt, so we Norwegians will get a track where you can see a little better skiing, McGrath told Viaplay.
Norwegian coach Christian Mitter will open the gate in the second half.
Because not only are the conditions at Wengen tough, but also the goal combinations that have been set.
“The conditions actually held up pretty well for me, it wasn’t too hectic, but the course was a lot harder than I think we were all expecting it to be,” said McGrath.
But even with three Norwegians in the top five, there weren’t just ups and downs at Wengen on Sunday morning. Sebastian Foss-Solevåg was eliminated and thus did not make it to the final round.
– He’s really in trouble, Sebastian. There’s too much here already, exclaims Viaplay commentator Andreas Toft.
Of the four races the 31-year-old racer has participated in this season, he has finished in three races.
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