Olympic champion Braathen seizes season-opening giant slalom in Austria

SOELDEN, Austria — Lucas Pinheiro Braathen of Brazil won the season-opening men's giant slalom at Soelden on Sunday, asserting his credentials as one of Alpine skiing's leading competitors on the opening day of the international racing calendar.

The Olympic champion's victory on the Austrian glacier marks a strong start to his campaign as the world's elite ski racers converge for the new season. Braathen's performance underscored the consistency that has established him among the sport's top talents.

The Soelden event is traditionally the first stop on the Alpine World Cup circuit, drawing competitors from across the globe to contest the challenging Rettenbach glacier course. The giant slalom format requires racers to navigate two runs through steeply pitched gates, with combined times determining the final standings.

With the season now underway, the Alpine skiing calendar will continue to build through the winter months, featuring competitions across multiple disciplines and venues throughout Europe and beyond.