Ski

January 29, 2026

Atle Lie McGrath takes the lead in the Slalom World Cup

Finishing second in the legendary Night Slalom in Schladming on Wednesday puts Atle Lie McGrath in the lead in the ranking for this discipline. That means the 25-year-old Norwegian athlete goes to the Olympic Games in Italy wearing the red jersey.

Paco Rassat holds his trophy on the podium at the Madonna di Campiglio World Cup slalom, wearing HEAD racing equipment.

"We have proven that we can succeed no matter what the conditions. That is what we wanted to do. Atle taking the red jersey to the Olympic Games is simply a dream. That is what we have been working for," said HEAD Racing Director Rainer Salzgeber.

Fifth Slalom podium this season

Atle Lie McGrath started the second run in the lead having clocked the fastest time on run one. He finished second overall with the seventh-fastest time on run two. This is the Norwegian athlete's fifth podium in the Slalom this season, following his two victories in Alta Badia and Wengen, third place in Gurgl, and second place in Adelboden. "I am very satisfied. It was a very difficult course on the second run; too slow for me. So I'm proud of myself. It's another podium here in Schladming, the coolest race of them all. The atmosphere in this place is awesome," said Atle Lie McGrath, delighted, at the finish. Top 30 finishers include Benjamin Ritchie from the USA in 13th place, and Albert Popov from Bulgaria, who finished 18th.

Two HEAD World Cup Rebels in the top ten in the Giant Slalom

In the Giant Slalom in Schladming on Tuesday, two HEAD World Cup Rebels raced into the top ten: Atle Lie McGrath finished seventh and Anton Grammel from Germany was tenth. Anton Grammel was in sixth place after the first run, making this his best performance in the World Cup so far. World Cup points also went to Alexis Pinturault from France in 26th place.