17,200 spectators howled at the top of their lungs when Lucas Pinheiro Braathen raced to the finish to take the lead in Sölden, for the first time in two years. Brazil’s representative on the alpine hill showed off Latin American dance moves in the finish area before taking the leader’s chair and enjoying the climb until Atle Lie McGrath came and took over the lead. – Driving with the heart, that’s what today felt like. And being able to share that moment with tens of thousands of people here today, as well as the fact that the person who arrives and is the first to manage to take over, is Atle. It’s a little too good to be true, says Braathen after the race. But too good to be true, the stay in the minutes before the run was not. BEST FRIENDS: McGrath and Braathen gave each other several good hugs after the race. Photo: Martine Sørhus / news – Grinding teeth Because before the athletes set off from the starting gate, they wait in a building together with competitors from all nations. There they will get food and drink and relax before the start. There was little to remind him of the reception he received at the finish line, for Braathen, who came last up the mountain. – There is no room for me, so I sit glued to a corner on the floor. Because the only place I have room for, says Braathen. The Brazilian alpine national team only consists of Braathen as an athlete. The last time a Brazilian was in the World Cup circus was in 2016. – What was it like sitting in that corner there? – First of all, it was very cold, because it is located in an alley where all the cold comes in. So I lay in a down jacket on the floor and gritted my teeth while trying to listen to music and calm down. – Back to the roots But despite the icy experience before the start, he felt that everything was right. – I just lay there and felt that I was where I belonged. And despite the fact that everything was so strange and different when I left here, I knew I was here, because I have followed my heart, says Braathen. – Getting inspected last – and properly back to my roots, to be able to get to the start line and stand there, and then for the first time in my life, I smile, ten seconds before I jump off the start. And that’s when I felt that I am where I belong. APPLAUDED: Braathen and father Bjørn watched excitedly as one Norwegian after another drove faster. Photo: Martine Sørhus / news Braathen was welcomed as a hero on the Austrian glacier, and had a long climb up the results lists in the comeback. But in the end it ended with fourth place for Braathen – behind three Norwegians. – It is completely unreal. So insanely cool to see the teammates with whom I have been allowed to share so much. As I have been allowed to share so much of my lows as well as my highs, even here. And then being able to see that all those guys get to experience that success on a day which is so cool for me too. I think it’s safe to say that if there are three pieces I should have had in front of me, then it’s those three, says Braathen. This is Braathen’s first race after he retired last year. The Norwegian made the shock announcement exactly one year ago in Sölden, after a long-standing conflict with the ski association. But already in March he announced his comeback – this time for Brazil. Wiping the track with a helicopter: – Crazy idea 00:53 Norwegian 12-year-old got NBA opportunity: – Was very nervous 01:14 Cancer patient Filip got to meet Haaland 01:36 Here’s where it all boils down for the Belgian cyclist 00:28 Show more Published 27.10 .2024, at 17.17
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Lucas Pinheiro Braathen lay on the floor and froze before the comeback in Sölden – news Sport – Sports news, results and broadcasting schedule
