Loic Meillard

Norwegian-Brazilian skier Lucas Pinheiro Braathen stood out in the wind-hit World Cup giant slalom opener at Soelden, Austria. Reports say Marco Odermatt struggled at times while Loic Meillard also had difficulties, with Braathen delivering the standout performance as the new alpine ski season gets underway. Attention is on how the season's first race reshuffles expectations among the sport's top names.