Sensational lead in Kitzbühel: Norwegian Braathen ahead of Yule and Matt

Half-time at the Kitzbühel Slalom Classic: and results after the first run are more than impressive. With a late start number of 33, Lucas Braathen achieved the best time. The 19-year-old Norwegian caused for huge surprise.

“I have no idea what just happened. I feel good and already had a good feeling after the training. I think I’m more surprised about being in the lead than everyone else.”

In second place: Swiss racer Daniel Yule (+0.33 seconds). The 26-year-old has got his eyes on a top-placement for the 2nd run.

“The piste is nice and compact, which is especially good for me with regards to the 2nd run. I learned from my mistakes in Wengen and did a better job today.”

Yule already knows what it’s like to stand on the podium in Kitzbühel: he came third two years ago.

Michael Matt is hot on the Swiss athlete’s heels. The Austrian was only nine hundredths of a second slower than Yule.

“I’m content, but I’m sure I can do better. I really had to concentrate.”

The same will most likely be true in the second run for the 26-year-old, in order to earn his first “Gams” trophy.

Matt and Yule’s placement isn’t the only close call: fourth place was just as tight in the first run. Currently, Marco Schwarz secured it for Austria, but he’s only a hair’s breadth ahead of Frenchman Alexis Pinturault and the surprisingly fast Alex Vinatzer from Italy.

Last year’s winner Clement Noel is currently 9th, just behind two-time Ganslern champion Henrik Kristoffersen.

The second run (from 13:30 hrs) promises pure excitement and will be directly followed by the award ceremony in the finish area.

Photo © AS-PHOTOGRAPHY, KLACHE