Albert Popov ends 45-year Bulgarian drought, taking World Cup men's slalom

Albert Popov gave Bulgaria's ski team its first World Cup victory in 45 years by triumphing in a slalom on Wednesday as four of the favourites skied out of the night race in Madonna Di Campiglio, Italy..

The victory came on the anniversary of Peter Popangelov's lone win for Bulgaria, in Lenggries, Germany on Jan. 8, 1980.

"A long time ago," Popov said. "It means a lot and I want to see more children on the skis in Bulgaria, and I think this is going to do a big thing for them and they're going to start to believe that it's possible, and I think it's very important for our country."

Eighth-fastest after the opening run, 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 in a two-run time of one minute 45.22 seconds.

He then faced an anxious wait to see if it would be good enough for what would be a second-ever podium place.

Reigning slalom World Cup champion Manuel Feller looked set to challenge him, but he lost his balance and hit a gate, failing to finish for the third time in five starts in slalom this season.

WATCH | Popov victorious by 0.44 seconds over Loic Meillard:

Albert Popov captures his first FIS World Cup victory in men's slalom

Atle Lie McGrath had dominated the first run, leading by more than half a second, and was hoping for a first victory in almost three years.

The Norwegian had an advantage of 1.21 over Popov after the first split but he threw away his colossal lead as he straddled a gate.

"It's a dream come true and it's a long time coming," Popov said. "I've been waiting a lot and I'm happy that it's in Madonna Di Campiglio. I love the race, I love the slope, I love the people."