Featured Image: Podium from World Cup GS in Are, Sweden. Credit: GEPA

The giant slalom in Åre, Sweden came with a dramatic finish! A momentous second run from the Italian Federica Brignone knocked the hometown star, Sara Hector, from her throne. Hector had set a substantial lead in the first run, entering the second run over six-tenths ahead of the field.

Unfortunately, the Swedish racer was late and low from the beginning of the course and had a challenging time finding her rhythm through the critical mid-section, which cost her time and the victory. Her second run time was a 25th-place time, +1.48 off the lead.

Hector still ended in 2nd place, which was her fourth podium finish of 2024. After the first run, Hector reflected, “I tried to ski clean. Then, I hit the breakovers really well. It was not my first time skiing this slope, so of course, that was an advantage.”

However, Brignone threw down a second run time that absolutely dominated the day. She gave it everything she had to move up to victory.

Brignone stated, “It is something really amazing and something special. It is like a dream, and I am really proud of what I am doing. I am really happy about everything. I have an amazing group and an amazing team.”

The 33-year-old set another record by raising the age again for the oldest woman to win a World Cup GS. Also, today marked her 3rd win of the season and 11th of her career in giant slalom.

The GS World Cup leader, Lara Gut-Behrami, needed to execute a finishing run to remain on top of the standings. She was precise throughout the course, and attacked just enough to hold a spot on the podium and secure the title. She finished in 3rd place, +0.40 behind Brignone.

Gut-Behrami stated, “It is something that I will think about in Saalbach and not before,” She continued, “I’m not thinking about globes.”

Despite the second run being relocated lower on the hill because of strong winds, the sun made an appearance during the women’s final 2024 regular season World Cup GS. The improved conditions allowed competitors to tackle the course with increased aggression, resulting in many skiers displaying greater confidence.

The fresh sense of confidence on the track enabled many racers who had not yet made a mark on the World Cup leaderboard, to capitalize on the improved conditions in the second run and improve their rankings.

North Americans

Paula Moltzan established a lead at the beginning of the course, looking more confident on the outside ski than in the initial run. She was pushing for the leaderboard, finding a good rhythm at the bottom, and continuing to gain speed through the final sections. She finished -0.57 ahead and concluded the day in 10th place, which was her second top-10 finish of the season.

AJ Hurt is having her best season, and it continues to progress. After her career-best result in Soldeu, Andorra, achieving a 3rd-place result, she came into this event with pronounced confidence. Hurt attacked the track more in the second run, but it caused her to get late and low. Her mistakes cost her time, but she still concluded the day in a commendable 11th place, putting her as the 12th ranked athlete heading into the Finals.

Britt Richardson completed the initial run in 25th place, positioning herself well for a smooth second run. Before this event, Richardson held the 25th spot in the World Cup rankings, so she entered the race aiming to secure a spot in the Finals. She maintained her aggressive approach throughout the course, navigating panel-to-panel, and ultimately crossed the finish line in the lead. She finished the day in 21st place, which ranked her 25th, earning a spot in Saalbach.

Cassidy Gray kicked out of the start, pushing it from the beginning. Today, marks Gray’s sixth time scoring in giant slalom. Her powerful and aggressive skiing helped her achieve her personal best, finishing the day in 15th place. She moved into the 38th ranked World Cup spot for 2024.

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