Clement Noel (FRA) demonstrated why he's one of the top technical Alpine skiers in the world, winning a night slalom on a difficult course at the Madonna di Campiglio ski resort in Italy (1:43.05). 

Neophyte Eduard Hallberg (FIN), only starting his 20th World Cup race, handled the tough conditions like a seasoned veteran, claiming second (+0.12). It was the best result of Hallberg's young Cup career.

The French nearly finished 1-2 on the leaderboard, but Paco Rassat (FRA) fell short of the runner-up position, securing third place (+0.37). 

Lucas Pinheiro Braathen (BRA) narrowly missed the podium, taking fourth (+0.40). It was his fifth podium of the 2025-26 Cup campaign.

Noel, the defending Olympic gold medalist in slalom, had to contend with more than just his opponents. The night brought with it limited visibility, as well as colder temperatures that made the slopes harder and slicker. Both factors caused about nearly half the field to DNF, which included nine out of 30 in the second run. Last year's event winner, Albert Popov (BUL), was part of that group. 

With the victory, his first of the season, Noel jumped up to second in the Cup discipline standings, a mere 3 points behind leader Timon Haugan (NOR). He and Haugan both will be strong medal contenders at the upcoming Winter Games in Milan Cortina.

Three Americans competed at Madonna di Campiglio and only one qualified for the second run. Benjamin Ritchie (USA) delivered an impressive Run 1, but like many others, he skied out in Run 2. Ritchie, who has yet to pick up a Cup point this season in five races, almost earned a bronze medel in the team combined event at the 2025 World Championships with partner Ryan Cochran-Siegle (USA). The duo took home a wooden spoon. 

Luke Winters (USA) finished 48th and Jett Seymour (USA) DNF'd during his first run. River Radamus has been the most consistent technical skier for the U.S., but doesn't compete in slalom races, hence his absence from the festivities.

There are two remaining slalom races on the World Cup calendar before the Olympic qualification period concludes (Jan. 18). Results in those especially are important, as they will help determine who U.S. Ski & Snowboard elects to send to Milan Cortina. 

The slalom event at the 2026 Winter Olympics is scheduled for Feb. 16 at the Stelvio Ski Centre in Bormio, Italy and will stream on Peacock.