First RTL setback

First setback for Braathen in the comeback season

Lucas Pinheiro Braathen was eliminated in Val d'Isere.(Bild: GEPA pictures)

After an outstanding start to his comeback season, Lucas Pinheiro Braathen suffered a setback in the giant slalom in Val d'Isere on Saturday. In the second run, the 24-year-old, who is competing for Brazil, was eliminated in the red jersey: "It's brutal, I'm very disappointed."

A week ago, Lucas Pinheiro Braathen sensationally finished second in Beaver Creek after Switzerland's Thomas Tumler won his first podium finish since returning to the World Cup as a Brazilian. Now there was the first RTL setback ...

Lucas Pinheiro Braathen(Bild: GEPA pictures)

Retirement in the second run
The first run in Val d'Isere did not go according to plan. Braathen took too few risks and only finished 21st in the final run. And then the likeable ski paradise bird put all his eggs in one basket. He had to save himself once in the steep section, and a little later Braathen slipped over the inside ski and was eliminated.

"Brutal" skiing
"That's skiing, it's brutal. You can have a cool day - and the next day you drop out. I'm very disappointed," Braathen complained in the ORF interview. He spoke of a "super difficult race": "I wasn't mentally strong enough today."

On Saturday, Braathen did not get to grips with the "Face de Bellevarde" at all. Will he get the grip problems under control before the slalom on Sunday?