Industry News
In an electrifying night slalom under the lights on Wednesday, Bulgaria’s Albert Popov made history by securing his first-ever FIS World Cup victory. The 24-year-old not only claimed his nation’s second World Cup win in history but also ended a 45-year drought since compatriot Petar Popangelov’s triumph on the same date in 1979. Popov’s combined time of 1:45.22 minutes was powered by a blistering second run of 52.18 seconds, the fastest of the evening. Starting the final run in eighth position, he climbed to the top of the leaderboard in dramatic fashion, anxiously awaiting the final seven racers before erupting in celebration. “It’s a dream come true, and it’s a long time coming. I’ve been waiting a lot,” Popov said after the race. “I’m happy that it’s at Madonna di Campiglio. I love the race, I love the slope, I love the people.” Popov’s only prior podium finish was a third-place result in Palisades Tahoe in 2023.
The evening’s icy course and deteriorating conditions claimed several top racers. Norway’s Atle Lie McGrath, who led after the first run, crashed out in the second, as did nine other competitors. Reigning Olympic slalom champion Clément Noël of France and Norway’s Timon Haugan, ranked fifth in the standings, failed to complete the first run.
Switzerland’s Loïc Meillard finished second with a time of 1:45.66, narrowly edging Croatia’s Samuel Kolega, who took third at 1:45.68. Meillard’s performance propelled him to the top of the slalom Crystal Globe standings with 325 points, just ahead of Henrik Kristoffersen of Norway, who finished fifth on Wednesday and now sits at 315 points. “It was a battle with the conditions,” said Kristoffersen. “I gave it my all, but it wasn’t enough tonight.”
Albert Popov stuns field to end 45-year World Cup drought for Bulgaria
Watch the Highlights here!#fisalpine #wintersport #worldcupmadonnadicampiglio pic.twitter.com/AwtReaHp6q
— FIS Alpine (@fisalpine) January 8, 2025
The race also marked a career milestone for Ben Ritchie of the Stifel U.S. Ski Team, who finished eighth for his best-ever World Cup result. Ritchie’s stellar second run saw him climb 14 positions on the leaderboard with the second-fastest time of the round. “Second run I put down a good run I am proud of,” Ritchie said. “It feels really good to be competitive with skiing that I know I can consistently do. Competing with the top guys feels amazing.” Ritchie, who hails from the East Coast, has been off to a great season, having claimed a previous personal best 13th place at Levi, Finland, in November 2024.
Teammate Jett Seymour placed 17th after the first run but did not finish his second attempt. Luke Winters narrowly missed qualifying for the second run, placing 31st in the opening round. “It’s a great start to January. This is the best we have done since I’ve been a part of the U.S. slalom team, so I know we have more to give,” Ritchie added.
The men’s slalom circuit now heads to Adelboden, Switzerland, for the next race on January 11.
