Switzerland's Loic Meillard won the men's World Cup giant slalom in Schladming, Austria, on January 27, 2026, securing his second victory of the season. He overtook Brazil's Lucas Pinheiro Braathen in the second run to finish 0.73 seconds ahead, while France's Alban Elezi Cannaferina earned his first podium in third. The race, held under floodlights, served as the final giant slalom tune-up before the Milano Cortina Olympics.
The night race on the icy Planai course in Schladming drew 15,000 spectators under bright lights and moonlight, delivering thrilling action in the Audi FIS Ski World Cup. Lucas Pinheiro Braathen set the pace in the first run with a time of 1:08.21, leading Switzerland's Loic Meillard by 0.06 seconds and Germany's Fabian Gratz by 0.31 seconds. Marco Odermatt, the Crystal Globe leader with a 95-point GS advantage entering the event, sat seventh after 1:09.15.
In the second run, Odermatt struggled early, nearly losing balance when his right ski detached briefly, finishing with 2:15.64 for fourth place overall. Gratz faltered, dropping out of contention. Meillard delivered a composed 1:06.11 to take the lead temporarily, while Elezi Cannaferina posted the fastest second run from bib 25, surging to third at 2:15.28—his first top-10 World Cup finish and maiden podium.
Pinheiro Braathen, last to go, couldn't hold his lead on the rutted turns, ending 0.73 seconds behind Meillard's winning 2:14.38. This marked Meillard's sixth career GS win and second of the 2025/26 season, propelling him to third in the GS standings with 326 points. Odermatt leads with 450, followed by Pinheiro Braathen at 347.
Reflecting on the win, Meillard said: “I pushed hard, I had no regrets for my run. Okay I had a mistake but it’s part of the game. I did the job.” Pinheiro Braathen, seeking Brazil's second World Cup victory after his November slalom win in Finland, expressed pride despite the near-miss: “Of course I am very, very proud. It was one hell of a race and extremely challenging.” He added, “I've got to admit I really, really thought that victory was mine today.”
Elezi Cannaferina beamed: “It’s just amazing for me, what an experience. My first podium in Schladming, I was here with a lot of supporters...I hope I will be at the Olympics.” The result highlights Olympic contenders, with the Milano Cortina Games starting next week and GS set for February 14 in Bormio. A night slalom follows in Schladming on January 28.
