Popov gives Bulgaria’s ski team its first win in 45 years with victory in night slalom
Norway's Atle Lie McGrath speeds down the course during an alpine ski, men's World Cup slalom in Madonna di Campiglio, Italy, Wednesday, Jan.8, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandro Trovati[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Alessandro Trovati]
MADONNA DI CAMPIGLIO, Italy (AP) — Albert Popov has given Bulgaria’s ski team its first World Cup victory in 45 years by triumphing in a men’s slalom as four of the favorites skied out of the night race in Madonna Di Campiglio. Popov put down a brilliant second run on the Canalone Miramonti course and the 27-year-old tipped his head back and let out a scream of joy after crossing the finish line. Reigning slalom World Cup champion Manuel Feller looked set to challenge him but he lost his balance and hit a gate. Atle Lie McGrath had dominated the first run but he threw away his colossal lead as he straddled a gate. Popov finished 0.44 ahead of Loic Meillard and 0.46 ahead of Samuel Kolega.
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Bulgaria's Albert Popov gets to the finish area after completing an alpine ski, men's World Cup slalom in Madonna di Campiglio, Italy, Wednesday, Jan.8, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandro Trovati)
Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/Alessandro Trovati