Pinheiro Braathen's focus on "the now" – and the Overall World Cup
The Giant Slalom overall winner of the previous season is unbeatable at the season opener as well - and immediately underlines his ambitions for the big crystal globe.
Lucas Pinheiro remains in a class of his own in the new season as well.
The Giant Slalom overall winner of the previous season claims the season opener in Sölden in impressive fashion after a halfway lead.
Braathen gewinnt Saisonauftakt in Sölden - Haaser Fünfter >>>
"I am truly proud that I can start the new season with this skiing and this attitude," says the winner after the race in an ORF interview.
Overall World Cup as Pinheiro Braathen's big goal
Across seasons, it is the third consecutive Giant Slalom victory for the 26-year-old, who achieves his ninth World Cup win at the very same venue where he secured his maiden triumph.
Even before the opener, Pinheiro Braathen had declared the Overall World Cup as a major goal. However, that is "not important on race day. What is important is the now. [...] I am truly proud that I had this focus today."
Odermatt finds "that feeling" again
His arguably biggest rival in the fight for the big crystal globe finishes in third place. After fourth place at halftime, defending champion Marco Odermatt "attacked much more than in the first run" in the second run. More important than the podium finish, however, is "that this feeling is back".
According to his own statements, the defending champion in the Overall World Cup no longer has his top form from two years ago; "others have it now. One has to push brutally hard."
Nevertheless, for the high-flyer of recent years, it is enough for his 103rd podium finish in his 200th World Cup race.
