Clement Noel Wins Opening World Cup Slalom

Clement Noel triumphed in the first men's World Cup slalom of the season in Levi, Finland, marking his first victory in 22 months. The French Olympic champion secured his 11th career win with a total time of 1:53.98, finishing 0.80 seconds ahead of Norway's Henrik Kristoffersen, who had the fastest time in the second run. Swiss skier Loic Meillard took third place, while Brazilian Lucas Pinheiro Braathen narrowly missed a podium finish, coming in fourth. Notably, former champion Marcel Hirscher, returning after a five-year hiatus, failed to qualify for the second run, finishing 46th in his first attempt. Noel expressed satisfaction with his performance and acknowledged the competitive pressure from Kristoffersen. The World Cup continues next weekend in Austria with both men's and women's slalom events.