Marco Odermatt already suspected it in October: Released from retirement: Lucas Braathen wants to start for Brazil

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Sölden, October 27, 2023: Slalom World Cup winner Lucas Braathen (23) caused a stir the day before the World Cup opener when he unexpectedly announced his retirement. With teary eyes, the 23-year-old explains that he has lost his joy in ski racing due to the ongoing disputes with the Norwegian association, which does not allow individual sponsors on the racing helmet.

Blick spoke to Marco Odermatt (26) in the autumn immediately after this explosion. Today’s best ski racer made a spectacular headline with his response: “I wouldn’t be surprised if Braathen goes to Brazil next winter!”

Odermatt continues: “It’s obviously because his mother is Brazilian. And the Brazilian association certainly wouldn’t mind if Lucas brought Red Bull along as a sponsor.” The forecast for Brazil was initially dismissed as “unrealistic” by some people in Braathen. But two months later it became clear for the first time that Odermatt hit the mark with his statement.

Training with Raposo and Ginnis

In December, Braathen completed training with Briton Charlie Raposo (28) at the Reiteralm (Austria), and a few days later took part in the slalom in Hinterreit with Greek vice-world champion AJ Ginnis (29). At this stage, the winner of the Lauberhorn (2022) and Chuenisbärgli Slalom (2023) confided to several people that he would like to drive for Brazil in the future. On the occasion of the Hahnenkamm races in Kitzbühel, AJ Ginnis had a longer conversation about it in the VIP area with FIS President Johan Eliasch (62).

But what does it take to change the bandage? The FIS regulations state: “Before submitting the application for a license change, the participant must have citizenship and a passport.” In addition, the driver must have had his “actual legal principal residence” in the country of the new ski association for at least two years. Exception: the participant was born there or his father or mother are citizens of the country. In the case of Braathen, who has her main residence in Norway, the exemption applies thanks to the Brazilian mother.

Comeback race in New Zealand

However, another FIS rule could still become a stumbling block for Braathen: when switching countries, a participant will only keep their previous FIS points if the previous national ski association has approved the change. And because the differences between Braathen and the leadership of the Norwegian association have not been resolved since Sölden 2023, the question is whether the Scandinavians will agree to the change of nation.

Without Norway’s permission, Braathen would have to start in South America with a points balance of 999. And that would mean that he would not have the right to start in World Cup or Continental Cup races. The noble technician should therefore first participate in small FIS races to improve his points.

Last week it was announced that Braathen wants to participate in FIS competitions in New Zealand in the Brazilian dress next summer. However, he has not yet officially commented on these issues. That will change on Thursday. Lucas Braathen will then give a media conference in Salzburg (11 a.m.).

Source : Blick