Gut-Behrami, Robinson and Moltzan Kronplatz: GEPA pictures
Dramatic Finish in Kronplatz GS: Moltzan Makes History
Moltzan Leads with Five to Go
With only the fastest five skiers from the first run remaining, Stifel U.S. Ski Team’s Paula Moltzan sat atop the leaderboard, holding onto a career-defining moment. Her stellar second run set a strong benchmark, but the final five racers were ready to challenge.
Robinson Delivers Power and Precision
The first to challenge was New Zealand’s Alice Robinson. Known for her powerful and aggressive skiing, Robinson laid down an incredible run, crossing the finish with a commanding 0.94-second lead. Her effort knocked Moltzan from the leader’s chair, and she shifted to the sidelines to await the final results.
Stjernesund Falls Short
Next came Norway’s Thea Louise Stjernesund. Despite a clean start, Stjernesund struggled to maintain speed throughout the course. She crossed into fifth place, unable to challenge Robinson’s time, leaving three fastest first run competitors still in contention.
Hector Crashes Out
Sweden’s Olympic Champion Sara Hector was the first of the top three to race. Hector started strong and looked capable of taking the lead but made a costly mistake in the second timing sector. She failed to finish, narrowing the field to two.
Gut-Behrami Secures Second
Switzerland’s Lara Gut-Behrami, chasing her 10th career GS victory, attacked the course with precision and determination. Her brilliant run earned her second place, guaranteeing a podium along with Moltzan, but falling short of Robinson’s remarkable lead.
“It’s been a complicated start to the season for me in GS, especially physically,” Gut-Behrami said after securing her first Giant Slalom podium of the season. “I’ve struggled with my knee, and I’m not someone who can ski through pain. I had to first regain the confidence to wake up and say, ‘OK, nothing is hurting,’ and then transfer that trust onto my skis. It’s taken longer in GS than in Super G and Downhill, but I’m really happy to see the progress. I’m still making some mistakes, and it’s not perfect, but I’m fast, and that gives me something to build on.”
Brignone Goes Out: Disappointment for the Home Crowd
The pressure was on Italy’s Federica Brignone, the fastest skier in the morning and the crowd’s favorite. Hopes were high as she began her run, with the home audience cheering her every move. However, like Hector before her, Brignone fell victim to the demanding second sector, making an untimely exit from the course.
The disappointment among the Italian fans was palpable, as their superstar’s bid for victory came to an abrupt end. With Brignone out, the top step of the podium belonged to Robinson, sealing an emotional and dramatic conclusion to the race.
Robinson Tops the Podium, Moltzan Makes History
The dramatic conclusion saw Alice Robinson claim her first World Cup win since 2021, earning her the lead in the season’s giant slalom standings. Lara Gut-Behrami secured second, while Paula Moltzan celebrated her first-ever giant slalom podium, a milestone moment for the Stifel U.S. Ski Team.
For Robinson, it was a triumphant return to the top of the podium after years of doubt. “I’m honestly speechless,” Robinson said. “It’s been four years since I last won, and there were times I wasn’t sure if I’d ever win again. To be back on top, with my family here to watch, makes it even more special. So much has happened in those four years, and I’ve learned so much. In the second run, I just wanted to be brave and ski on the limit, and I’m really proud of that. It’s amazing timing before the World Championships, and I feel like I’m in a great spot to build on this.”
Moltzan, who started the second run in 10th place, delivered a career-best performance to claim third. “I’m not really sure how this is possible,” she said with a laugh. “Before my second run, I told myself I didn’t want to ski like a baby—I wanted to give it my all. I made some mistakes but kept the speed going, and it paid off. Sitting in 10th after the first run, I didn’t expect to make the podium, but here we are. Having my family here makes it even more special. They were there for my first slalom podium, too, so I think they might be my good luck charm!”
Robinson’s victory marked a significant comeback, while Moltzan’s historic podium solidified her growing reputation as one of the sport’s top giant slalom skiers. Both athletes head to the World Championships with renewed confidence and momentum.
Early Leaders in the Second Run
Dürr Sets the Tone
Germany’s Lena Dürr was the first to attack the Erta piste, taking full advantage of the pristine conditions. The veteran delivered a strong run that kept her in the leader’s chair for four racers. Her reign ended when Slovenia’s Neja Dvornik overtook her to claim the top spot.
Della Mea Surges Ahead
By the time ten racers had completed their second runs, Italy’s Lara Della Mea, wearing bib 39, surged into the lead with a remarkable performance. Her run gave her a significant 0.76-second advantage over Dvornik at the time. Della Mea’s strong effort saw her move up 11 positions by the end of the race, finishing 11th—a notable achievement on the day.
Vickhoff Lie Ties the Lead
Della Mea held onto the lead through the next five racers, but Norwegian Kajsa Vickhoff Lie mounted a serious challenge. Charging down the course with authority, she looked poised to take the outright lead but instead tied the Italian for the top spot.
O’Brien Take the Lead
Stifel U.S. Ski Team’s Nina O’Brien stepped up next and delivered a gutsy and aggressive run. On the steep pitch, her skiing looked precarious, and for a moment, it seemed she might go out. However, she recovered brilliantly and powered through to take the lead from Della Mea and Vickhoff Lie, who were tied at the top. With 11 racers still to come, O’Brien briefly held the top spot and eventually finished 10th, securing another solid result in her comeback season.
“I’m happy with another top 10 and a solid GS result,” O’Brien said. “I was totally shocked when I came into the finish in the lead because I thought I was skiing out on my second run. It’s been an amazing day for our team, and I’m so happy to see Paula finally get on the GS podium. That definitely gives me confidence—the skiing’s there, and we’ll just keep building on this.”
Ljutić Moves Into First
Croatia’s Zrinka Ljutić followed with a brilliant performance, taking a 0.62-second advantage over O’Brien to move into first place. With ten left to race, the leaderboard read Ljutić in first, O’Brien in second, and Della Mea and Vickhoff Lie tied for third.
Moltzan Electrifies the Crowd
The 21st skier to take the course was the fastest Stifel U.S. Ski Team member from the first run, Paula Moltzan. With a rocket of a run, she overcame Ljutić to seize the lead by 0.38 seconds, thrilling the crowd.
Richardson Achieves Career Best
Canada’s Britt Richardson followed Moltzan with a determined run. She skied strongly, holding the lead through the first three timing sectors, but couldn’t maintain her pace in the final stretch. Richardson crossed the finish line in third, ultimately achieving a career-best result of seventh place. Her impressive performance left eight racers to challenge Moltzan’s time—and the rest is history.
North Americans on the Erta Piste
Stifel U.S. Ski Team
Hensien Shows Promise
The first Stifel U.S. Ski Team member to take the course in the second run was Katie Hensien. The University of Denver graduate, who is enjoying a breakout season, delivered an impressive performance. She pushed the current leader, Neja Dvornik, throughout her run but finished 0.48 seconds behind, temporarily sitting in second place. By the end of the race, Hensien gained three positions and secured 21st place.
Hurt Attacks Aggressively
AJ Hurt, the second U.S. skier to race, was 14th to take her second run. Hurt attacked the course with confidence, finishing just 0.11 seconds behind Lara Della Mea, the leader at the time. Her strong effort moved her up four positions, ending the day in 13th place.
O’Brien in the Top 10
O’Brien had another solid performance, finishing 10th overall with the 12th fastest time in the second run. O’Brien’s return to world-class form is evident, and she looks poised to showcase her best at the upcoming World Championships in Saalbach.
Alpine Canada Alpin
Richardson Achieves Career Best
Canada’s Britt Richardson delivered a career-best performance, finishing 7th after an impressive second run. The 21-year-old’s skill continues to establish her as a rising star in giant slalom.
Grenier Maintains Excellence
Valérie Grenier added another strong result to her season, finishing 8th. Her continued excellence reinforces her status as a key contender in giant slalom for Alpine Canada Alpin.
The North American racers demonstrated strength on the challenging Erta piste, with five athletes finishing in the top 15 and a total of seven in the top 30.
Race Results with Analysis of the Fastest Three and North American Qualifiers
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Analysis of the Fastest Three and North American Qualifiers
About the Author: Peter Lange
