Pinheiro Braathen wins Sölden giant slalom opener

Lucas Pinheiro Braathen won the men’s giant slalom at the Alpine World Cup season opener in Sölden, Austria.

The Brazilian finished in 1 minute 44.72 seconds, 0.48 seconds ahead of Switzerland’s Loïc Meillard.

Switzerland’s Marco Odermatt was third, just 0.01 seconds behind Meillard, in his 200th World Cup race.

Wind forced officials to shorten the course, but Pinheiro Braathen still finished nearly half a second ahead of his rivals.

The result continues his strong giant slalom form: it was his second Sölden win and fourth straight victory in the discipline.

The giant slalom racers next compete in Copper Mountain at the end of November, after a five-week break.