Italy’s Brignone wins back-to-back giant slaloms as Shiffrin misses 2nd run for 1st time since 2012

Mikaela Shiffrin’s return to competitive racing in giant slaloms has been a challenging one, as Federica Brignone continues to dominate the slopes. In just her second GS race after a serious crash three months ago, Shiffrin failed to qualify for a second run for the first time since 2012 in Sestriere, Italy.

Shiffrin finished a disappointing 2.50 seconds off the first-run lead set by Alice Robinson, with over 30 faster racers ahead of her who advanced to the second run in the afternoon. This came after Shiffrin placed 25th in Brignone’s victory the day before, her first giant slalom race since her crash in Killington, Vt.

On the other hand, Brignone showcased her exceptional skills by securing back-to-back wins on home snow. Just nine days after winning gold in giant slalom at the world championships in Saalbach, Austria, the 34-year-old Italian extended her lead in the overall World Cup standings. Brignone finished 0.77 seconds ahead of Lara Gut-Behrami, solidifying her position as a top contender for a second career title.

Despite the tough competition, Shiffrin remains a force to be reckoned with in giant slalom. With 22 career World Cup wins in the discipline and gold medals at the Olympics and world championships, Shiffrin raced cautiously on Saturday and visibly struggled with her performance. Her lack of recent racing experience was evident, as she wore the highest bib number in a World Cup giant slalom in over eight years.

As for the Canadian skiers, it was a challenging day on the mountain, with none of the athletes managing to finish their second run. Shiffrin’s lackluster performance in Sestriere serves as a reminder of the competitive nature of alpine skiing and the challenges that come with returning from injury.

In conclusion, while Shiffrin may not be at her best just yet, her determination and skill are undeniable. As she continues to regain her form and confidence, the competition in women’s giant slalom will only get more intense. And with Brignone’s impressive back-to-back wins, the battle for the top spot promises to be an exciting one to watch in the upcoming races.