Pinheiro Braathen Wins Giant Slalom World Cup Globe | Odermatt Fails to Finish

March 24, 2026 Priya Shah – Business Editor Business

Lucas Pinheiro Braathen of Brazil secured the World Cup giant slalom title in Hafjell, Norway, on Tuesday, marking the first Alpine skiing World Cup globe for the South American nation. The victory came after Switzerland’s Marco Odermatt, a leading contender, failed to finish the first run of the race.

Pinheiro Braathen, who had a 48-point deficit before the final giant slalom of the season, capitalized on Odermatt’s early exit. He posted the fastest time in the first run and then managed the lead effectively in the second, finishing 0.58 seconds ahead of Loïc Meillard of Switzerland. Atle Lie McGrath, also of Switzerland, finished third.

“To be able to look at this crystal globe with the Brazilian flag on my chest is something I am immensely proud of,” Pinheiro Braathen said after the race, according to the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRF. “It’s so special. I am so proud.”

The 25-year-ancient Pinheiro Braathen previously won the slalom title in 2023 even as representing Norway. He switched his national affiliation to Brazil in 2024 following a dispute with the Norwegian Ski Federation over sponsorship agreements. He then sat out an entire season before returning to competition.

Meillard, despite finishing second, had a chance to win the title himself. He needed Pinheiro Braathen to fall to at least fourth place. “I tried everything. It all had to approach together. Lucas was simply better,” Meillard said, acknowledging his competitor’s performance.

Odermatt, despite his early elimination, expressed a positive outlook on the season. “I deal with it quite well,” he said. “I achieved everything in this sport. I won so many races, so many globes, so many medals. Now I lost one, but that’s not the complete of the world.” He also praised Pinheiro Braathen, calling him “an amazing athlete, an amazing skier.”

Pinheiro Braathen’s victory marks a significant moment for Brazilian skiing, adding to his gold medal win at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games. He will compete in the final slalom race of the season in Hafjell on Wednesday, with the opportunity to add another globe to his collection.