Italy’s Brignone takes narrow super-G victory to extend overall World Cup lead
Federica Brignone emerged victorious in a thrilling women’s World Cup super-G event on Sunday, solidifying her position at the top of the overall standings after a successful three-race weekend. The Italian skier outpaced defending champion Lara Gut-Behrami by a mere 0.06 seconds at the Kvitfjell ski resort in Ringebu, Norway.
Reflecting on her performance, Brignone admitted, “When I came down, I said: ‘No, no, no.’ I had too many mistakes. I thought it was possible to do better than me. It was very difficult. I had not a good feeling, I had not a perfect run. But no one had. I tried a lot and risked a lot.” Brignone’s triumph in the super-G followed her impressive fifth and fourth-place finishes in two downhill races earlier in the weekend, further solidifying her dominance on the slopes.
In a nail-biting finish, Gut-Behrami seemed poised for victory until a wide turn and soft snow caused her to fall behind Brignone’s split time. Despite a valiant effort to catch up, Gut-Behrami ultimately settled for second place. Brignone’s teammate Sofia Goggia secured third place, with Alice Robinson of New Zealand close behind in fourth.
Legendary skier Lindsey Vonn, making her comeback at the age of 40 with a new titanium knee, faced challenges on the course but managed to finish in 16th place. Vonn’s performance, while promising at times, showcased the fierce competition at the elite level of the sport.
Brignone’s 35th career World Cup victory further extended her lead over Gut-Behrami in the overall standings, with a comfortable 251-point advantage. However, Gut-Behrami maintained her lead in the super-G standings, holding a 55-point margin over Brignone. With seven races remaining in the season, including three super-G events, the competition between the two skiers promises to intensify.
Looking ahead, Brignone expressed excitement for the upcoming races in La Thuile, Italy, her home turf. Meanwhile, Gut-Behrami remained focused on the task at hand, emphasizing the importance of staying in the moment rather than fixating on points.
On a challenging course set that posed difficulties for early starters, including the treacherous Tommy Moe turn, named after the American Olympic champion, skiers navigated technical terrain with skill and precision. Despite the obstacles, the athletes showcased their resilience and determination to excel in the face of adversity.
As the women’s World Cup circuit continues with upcoming races in Are, Sweden, fans can expect more thrilling competition and unforgettable moments on the slopes. Stay tuned for the latest updates and results as the season unfolds.
