Val d’Isere, France – Frechman Alexis Pinturault won Saturday’s World Cup slalom in Val d’Isere by half a second over Germany’s Felix Neureuther second. Austrian Marcel Hirscher finished third.

“I am pretty surprised,” said a smiling Piturault. “When I crossed the finish line in the second run and saw my advantage I could hardly believe it It’s my second victory, after winning a city event in Moscow and its definitely very special victory as it’s my first in a classic discipline.”

Ted Ligety, of Park City, Utah, knifed through the incredibly soft snow following a fresh storm in Val d’Isere to finish 12th and gain 22 critical points toward the Audi FIS Alpine World Cup overall, where following Saturday’s race he sat second to Norwegian Aksel Lund Svindal by 58 points.

“The key for Ted in slalom is that he needs to make that next step into the top seven,” said U.S. Ski Team Head Coach Sasha Rearick. “He’s solidified himself in the top 15 and that’s a good step in the right direction for him to rack up some more points in the future.”

David Chodounsky, of Crested Butte, Colo., produced the third fastest final run to finish a career best 15th after missing most of last season with injury.

“David has qualified in both World Cup slaloms this season and is in a good place after coming back from an injury. He’s skiing really well – consistent,” added Rearick.

OFFICIAL RESULTS
Audi FIS Alpine World Cup
Val d’Isere, France – Dec. 8, 2012
Men’s Slalom