Mayer gets the party started in Wengen

What a start to the weekend in Wengen! Matthias Mayer (AUT) skis two perfect runs and claims his first Alpine Combined victory at the Lauberhorn.  The Austrian speed skier dominates the downhill, closing 0.53s ahead of everyone else. Starting first in the slalom, Mayer does not just try to defend himself from the technical skiers, but attacks the slope and scores the fourth fastest time in the second run.

This enables him to finish just ahead of runner up Alexis Pinturault (FRA), who narrowly misses his 10th Alpine Combined Victory by 0.07s. The French athlete is almost one second faster than all his competitors in the slalom, but it’s still not enough to jump into first position, after closing the downhill in 19th place.

Third place goes to habitué Victor Muffat-Jeandet (FRA), who skis fast in both disciplines and scores his fourth podium in Wengen’s Alpine Combined.  Local Loic Meillard (SUI) closes in fourth position, missing the podium by 0.35s.

Alexis Pinturault (FRA) continues to lead the Alpine Combined ranking and thanks to his second place knocks Henrik Kristoffersen (NOR) off the top of the Overall standings, with 2 points advantage.

The first of three races in Wengen was a thrilling one, now we look forward to a spectacular Downhill on Saturday and a Slalom on Sunday!

We send our best wishes for a speedy recovery to Adrian Smiseth Sejersted (NOR) who had a bad crash during todays downhill.