Slalom of Madonna di Campiglio: Clément Noël very above the rest after the 1st round, Alexis Pinturault is reassured

Clément Noël is still above the competition. In a first night round disputed on a tricky Canalone Miramonti (Italy) track, the Vosgien stretched his streak to three victorious heats in a row this season, proof of his superiority in the exercise. The Val d’Isère skier beat world champion Sebastian Foss-Solevag (Norway, + 0”53) and Kristoffer Jakobsen (Sweden, + 0”70) on Wednesday. In ambush for the podium, Alexis Pinturault recovered well after a difficult weekend at Alta Badia (5th, + 0”80).

Pinturault is reassured

“I am not superhuman.“These were the first words of the red bib in the finish area, a few minutes after another demonstration of solidity and mastery on the legendary Canalone Miramonti. We would hardly believe it because of the superiority of Clément Noël on the movements. In the field and in the wall was obvious, starting with bib number 5, the skier from Val d’Isère quickly took to the open sea, cutting the wall with straights in a style that would make his rivals pale.

Relegated to 53 and 70 tenths respectively, Sebastian Foss-Solevag and Kristoffer Jakobsen will have the good idea to scrutinize their mirrors more during the second round. Fifth in Val d’Isère, Dave Ryding (Great Britain) is once again placed, 4th at 73 tenths, ahead of a reassured Alexis Pinturault. First to start in the spotlight, the Courchevel skier signed a well-made round (5th, + 0”80), without error, but well helped by a perfect coating. On the other hand, Victor Muffat-Jeandet (12th, + 1”58) will start too far for the fight for the podium.