Atle Lie McGrath Dominates Wengen Slalom for Second Consecutive Win

Norwegian skier Atle Lie McGrath claimed a second straight slalom victory in Wengen, Switzerland, on Sunday (18 January) to launch him into first place in the discipline standings of the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup 2025-26 season. McGrath held off a fierce challenge from Brazil’s Lucas Pinheiro Braathen to claim the top step on the podium in style. The world silver medallist has been a model of consistency this season, securing his fourth podium finish and his second victory in the slalom. McGrath now has five career slalom victories to his name. The 25-year-old McGrath raised his prospects of a second straight victory with an impressive opening run. He came into run two with a 0.40-second advantage over world champion and compatriot Loïc Meillard and 0.50s on Braathen. McGrath had his work cut out with just a second separating the first five racers, with the likes of Olympic champion Clement Noel, Braathen, Henrik Kristoffersen and Meillard breathing down his neck. Braathen produced some skillful skiing on his second run, dancing his way across the finish line, opening a one-second advantage over Timon Haugan, who briefly held the lead. But McGrath embraced the challenge and remained ahead of Braathen’s section splits to tuck at the line in a winning time of 1:45.99 for a 0.47-second winning margin over his close friend. Braathen claimed his second podium of the season, beating Kristoffersen into third place. McGrath now holds a narrow 21-point lead over Braathen in the Slalom World Cup standings. “I can’t believe it. I felt so nervous today…that was one of the best second runs of my career,” McGrath told FIS TV.