/ GEPA pictures
COPPER MOUNTAIN, Colo. — Austria’s Stephan Brennsteiner delivered the run of his life on Friday, storming from the top seed to claim the first World Cup victory of his career in the Stifel Copper Cup giant slalom. The 34-year-old finally reached the top step after 13 seasons on tour, edging Norway’s Henrik Kristoffersen by 0.95 seconds. Croatia’s Filip Zubčić produced the charge of the day, jumping ten places to take third.
“This means a lot for me,” Brennsteiner said. “I’ve had tough times in my career, and to finally win my first World Cup now is just amazing. Right now I’m just enjoying everything that’s coming.”
It capped a wild second run filled with rapid lead changes, bold attacks, and athletes pushing themselves to the edge of exhaustion at 10,000 feet.
A Demanding Second Run at Altitude
The opening skiers showed quickly how volatile the Copper Mountain course would be. Through the first seven racers, the lead changed six times as athletes attacked the steep opening pitch and fought to carry speed across the mid-mountain flats.
Andorra’s Joan Verdú became the first skier to retain the lead after crossing the line, but he was bumped just moments later by Norway’s Hystad Solberg. Italy’s Luca De Aliprandini then dropped 1.50 seconds behind, revealing how punishing the lower section had become.
Germany’s Alexander Schmid, who has a World Cup GS podium to his name, began a steady climb that would eventually take him into tied tenth place. But the most significant early move came from Italy’s Alex Vinatzer, who delivered the fastest second run of the day and rocketed fifteen places up the leaderboard into fifth.
Zubčić Powers Into Podium Contention
Filip Zubčić, one of the most physically powerful skiers on the tour, saw an opportunity and seized it. The Croatian veteran attacked through the challenging snow and turn transitions with authority.
“The first run wasn’t so good — I made a lot of mistakes,” Zubčić said. “The second run was exhausting, but I saw an opportunity and took it. Holding energy on the bottom is my strength. The last ten or fifteen gates are where I can make a difference.”
His aggression paid off immediately. He crossed into the lead and forced the remaining contenders to respond.
Kristoffersen Charges to the Front
With only five racers left, Henrik Kristoffersen — a 95-time World Cup podium finisher — exploded out of the start, holding his narrow advantage through sectors one, two, and three. He lost small chunks of time but kept the run under control, then hammered the final pitch to take the lead by 0.05 seconds.
He was still catching his breath when he described the race as one of the most physically demanding of his career.
“The altitude was the most challenging part,” Kristoffersen said. “This was one of the more demanding GS races I’ve ever done. I’m very happy with second place. Nothing to do with Stephan today; he was in his own league.”
Brennsteiner Seals His First Win
Brennsteiner started with a 0.80-second advantage over Kristoffersen from the morning run and skied with total commitment. He managed the steep pitch smoothly, kept speed alive across the flats, and protected the lead through sector three. His final pitch was powerful and decisive, extending his margin and delivering a long-awaited first win by nearly a full second.
The Copper crowd celebrated loudly as Brennsteiner came into the finish — a moment more than a decade in the making.
North Americans: Radamus Battles Hard, Read and Maes Build Confidence
The lone Stifel U.S. Ski Team athlete in the second run, River Radamus, attacked with determination in front of a home crowd just minutes from where he grew up. He started with strong energy but lost time in the middle and bottom sections, finishing 0.69 seconds behind Vinatzer, who was the leader at the time.
“I knew that if I gave anything less than everything, I’d regret it,” Radamus said. “The altitude and demanding sets take a toll. I wish I made a couple fewer mistakes, but I’m happy with the approach. Racing at home inspires me to give everything to the next generation.”
Canada’s Erik Read, racing independently, found plenty of positives despite a late mistake.
“The top half went well — it was a slow, grinding course, but I was smooth,” Read said. “My number-one takeaway is attitude and belief. You need to make a conscious effort to bring that into the start gate.”
Belgium’s Sam Maes of Global Racing continued to show his growing GS form.
“Colorado snow is the most enjoyable snow to ski on,” Maes said. “It was long and the lungs were burning, but the snow suits my style. We’ve been working on consistency — being on the limit — and today showed I can do it.”
Big Moves on the Leaderboard
- Alex Vinatzer (ITA) — up 15 places to 5th
- Alexander Schmid (GER) — up 14 places to T-10th
- Filip Zubčić (CRO) — up 10 places to 3rd
A demanding course, thin air, and relentless pressure shaped Copper’s Olympic-season GS. In the end, Stephan Brennsteiner delivered the most complete performance of the day — and finally earned the World Cup victory he had chased for so long.
Race Results
Click images to enlarge
Second Run Analysis: Top Three and Other North Americans
About the Author: Peter Lange
