ALPINE SKI. Clement Noel is the first French man to win the Slalom in Chamonix. The young talent took today his third slalom victory of the season on a very challenging course. It's the sixth season podium for Noel, who earns 100 points in the Slalom standing and makes a clear step forward.

CHAMONIX, FRANCE - FEBRUARY 8: Clement Noel of France competes during the Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup Men's Slalom on February 8, 2020 in Chamonix France. (Photo by Alexis Boichard/Agence Zoom)

"I am really happy for the way I was able to manage the second run. I felt some pressure at the start, but in the end it was awesome!" said Noel after the race.

Big rivals Henrik Kristoffersen (NOR) and Daniel Yule (SUI) were not able to finish today's race, with the Norwegian straddling in run 1 and the Swiss not able to finish run 2, after he was in the lead at half time.

CHAMONIX, FRANCE - FEBRUARY 8: Ramon Zenhaeusern of Switzerland in action during the Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup Men's Slalom on February 8, 2020 in Chamonix France. (Photo by Michel Cottin/Agence Zoom)

Two "newcomers", both born in 1996, were able to celebrate their first career podium today thanks to an outstanding second run.  Timon Haugan (NOR) finished second (+0.21s), climbing up from the 11th position achieved in run 1, while Adrian Pertl (AUT) closed third (+0.31), proving that what he showed in Kitzbuehel was not just a one-off.

CHAMONIX, FRANCE - FEBRUARY 8: Alexis Pinturault of France in action during the Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup Men's Slalom on February 8, 2020 in Chamonix France. (Photo by Alexis Boichard/Agence Zoom)

Even though the slope itself did not look too challenging today, the course setting created more than a problem to many of the top skiers, with only 21 athletes eventually making it to the finish in run 2.

CHAMONIX, FRANCE - FEBRUARY 8: Victor Muffat-jeandet of France in action during the Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup Men's Slalom on February 8, 2020 in Chamonix France. (Photo by Michel Cottin/Agence Zoom)

As Kristoffersen keeps leading both the slalom standings (+2pts on Noel) and the overall standings, on Sunday the second and last parallel of the season will take place in the French town!

FIS Alpine
08 Feb 2020