Ramon Zenhäusern won the last race of the 2022-2023 winter season in Soldeu, Andorra. It's his third podium and second win of the season. After more than two years, he has won the Slalom event at the "Verte des Houches" piste in Chamonix.
“It’s an amazing, special day, after the last year. I haven’t had a good season, I’ve had some injuries. This end of the season is wonderful, especially when you consider that I started this winter as 25th in the world rankings. It's very emotional for me. I want to thank all the people who, despite everything, always believed in me, especially the Swiss Ski Federation, and all the people we thought about me. It makes it special. It is nice to have this support", Zenhäusern said.
Lucas Braathen finished in second place 0.06 seconds behind the Swiss and grabs the Slalom Crystal Globe. The 22-year-old Norwegian won the Slaloms in Adelboden and Val d'Isere this season, and arrived in Soldeu with a lead of 32 points.
Lucas Braathen is the third Norwegian to win the Men's Slalom Crystal Globe, after Henrik Kristoffersen (3, 2015-2016, 2019-2020, and 2021-2022), and Kjetil André Aamodt (1, 1999-2000).
“It's incredible, I don't know what to say. It was such a long and difficult road. This Globe represents every hard choice and sacrifice, all the dedication I’ve put into this since I was nine years old. This road I share with my dad. It is unbelievable that we are here today. It’s at its place. It’s where it belongs", Braathen said.
Henrik Kristoffersen rounded out the podium in third position and second in the Slalom standings. It is his 50th podium, including 23 wins, in a World Cup slalom event. Only three other men has won as many podium finishes in World Cup Slalom events as Kristoffersen: ingemar Stenmark (81), Marcel Hirscher (65), and Alberto Tomba (57).
"It’s OK, this is skiing. I have respect for the other athletes, they train hard and push everything they can. So chapeau for Lucas, he had a very good season. Overall, Lucas has done a fantastic season. He is a great skier and a great guy, so all the praise for Lucas", Kristoffersen said.
"I think it was a good season with my new material, it's difficult for everyone. This season has been a bit up and down in slalom. I'm looking forward to next season, that's for sure", Kristoffersen said.
Ramon Zenhäusern, Lucas Braathen, Henrik Kristoffersen, and Daniel Yule have won a season-high two World Cup Slalom races this season.