Braathen wins Sölden opener; just 0.01 seconds separates second and third

Brazil’s Lucas Pinheiro Braathen won the men’s giant slalom World Cup season opener in Sölden, Austria, on October 25.

This was one race decided by two combined runs, not a season title or a speed record across different courses.

Who finished how far behind?

Braathen’s combined time was 1:44.72. Switzerland’s Loïc Meillard finished second, 0.48 seconds behind, and Marco Odermatt third, 0.49 behind. The winner’s margin and the gap between the Swiss racers are different: Meillard beat Odermatt by 0.01 seconds, not 0.48. FIS’s account, AFP’s results reporting and SRF’s race analysis agree on the order and margins.

Why not compare times with other races?

Strong wind forced a lower reserve start, shortening the course. A shorter total therefore does not establish an all-time fastest performance. Course and weather change the basis of comparison even within the same discipline. Braathen led after the first run and retained the lead after the second. The relevant comparison is between combined times within this particular race.

What does it mean for Brazil’s racer?

The 26-year-old previously won here for Norway in 2020; this was his second Sölden win, now representing Brazil. A change of national representation does not make him a different athlete earning a first win. FIS connects this result with his Olympic and late-season successes. Streak counts depend on whether the Olympics are included, so this article avoids an unqualified streak number in its headline.

When can the rivalry be assessed again?

This opens the 2026/27 season. SRF places the next giant slalom in Copper Mountain in late November, distinguishing it from earlier slalom races. Check the discipline as well as the date in FIS’s calendar. Neither one Swiss finishing order nor Braathen’s opening victory settles season-long ability. More results in the same discipline are needed to assess the title race.

Primary sources and independent checks

Primary: order, combined gaps, reserve start and national representation in 2020 and 2026: FIS · Sölden men’s giant slalom, 2026-10-25

Separate reporting: 1:44.72 total, shortened course, event photography and athlete remarks: AFP · 2026-10-25

Broadcast race analysis: 0.01-second Swiss gap and next GS timing, not a season-title prediction: SRF Sport · 2026-10-25

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