First win in the World Cup for 21-year-old Norwegian Alexander Steen Olsen in a thrilling Slalom at Palisades Tahoe. Steen Olsen had to endure a long wait to celebrate his first career World Cup victory. Only after minutes of deliberation and the subsequent disqualification of the AJ Ginnis, the officials determined the Greek skier straddled a gate, the Norwegian was aclaimed winner.
The two-time Junior World Champion from 2022 went from twelfth place in the first run to his first victory in the second run.
“It is so unbelievable, I don’t know what to say. It is insane. The visibility was a challenge but the conditions were okay. You just have to believe in yourself and go. I am from Norway and there is a lot of snow there, it is not just the US so I just went for it", said Steen Olsen.
Teammate Timon Haugan finished in second place 0.05 seconds behind Steen Olsen. It's his second career World Cup podium.
“Getting back on the podium has been a big goal for me and has been for years. I am so happy to be back here and with my new equipment, it feels really good", said Haugan.
Clement Noël and Albert Popov rounded out the podium in third place 0.24 seconds behind the Norwegian duo.
For Noël it's his third podium this season.
Popov made up 22 places in the second run after setting the best time. After five top ten finishes, the 25-year-old Bulgarian was able to celebrate the first podium finish of his career.
“It is a dream come true. I have been waiting a so much and a long time. The form is good and today I had a little bit of luck and I feel good", said Popov.
