Alice Robinson NZ Poidum Copper Cup / GEPA pictures
COPPER MOUNTAIN, Colo. — Alice Robinson delivered a dominant performance on Saturday, winning the Stifel Copper Cup giant slalom by a commanding 0.96 seconds. The New Zealand star won both runs and secured her fifth career World Cup GS victory, reaffirming her place as one of the sport’s most powerful attackers.
Robinson held complete control of the race. She skied the fastest first run, then attacked even harder in the second run despite feeling “out of control” at times. Her combined time of 1:58.91 left no doubt.
“It felt like two totally different runs,” Robinson said. “The first one I felt in control and smooth; the second run felt wild and like I was recovering the whole time. So I was shocked to see the big green light. I wasn’t feeling very confident coming into today, so I’m proud I trusted my instincts and skied how I wanted. This win means a lot.”
She also acknowledged the significance of what she has accomplished on the world stage.
“It’s always special to represent New Zealand in a sport so dominated by Europe and North America,” she said. “I’m proud of that.”
Podium: Robinson, Scheib, Stjernesund
Austria’s Julia Scheib earned her second podium in as many GS races, finishing 0.96 seconds behind Robinson in second. She attacked late in the race, finding speed when others faded.
“I pushed harder in the second run,” Scheib said. “It was not easy with the light, but the conditions are the same for everyone, and I’m proud of those two runs. I’m not thinking about the Olympics yet. There are more races before then, and I want to take each event as it comes and stay calm and focused.”
Norway’s Thea Louise Stjernesund completed the podium in third (+1.08), rebounding from a conservative first run with the fastest second run time tied with Robinson. Her switch back to a more aggressive ski setup paid off.
“I was angry after the first run and decided to go for it,” she said. “I dared to switch skis and trust the feeling again. It wasn’t perfect, but it was enough for the podium.”
This is Stjernesund’s fourth career GS podium.
How the Final Leaders Emerged
The second run produced big swings and dramatic moves inside the top 20.
Biggest movers:
- Estelle Alphand (SWE) climbed nine places, finishing 20th.
- Hanna Aronsson Elfman (SWE) also gained nine places, finishing 21st.
- Franziska Gritsch (AUT) matched the +9 surge, finishing 18th.
At the sharp end of the standings, several athletes made credible charges—Lara Colturi, Valerie Grenier, Katharina Liensberger—but none threatened Robinson’s pace. Sara Hector briefly held the advantage into sector three before losing time and finishing fourth.
By the time Robinson kicked out of the start as the final racer, Scheib led Stjernesund by just 0.12 seconds. Robinson erased that instantly with the day’s most aggressive skiing, extending her advantage in every split.
Her victory was never in doubt.
North Americans: O’Brien Leads the Way
The North Americans placed four inside the top 16, led by Nina O’Brien in 11th.
O’Brien delivered one of the best second-run attacks in the field and moved up several positions.
“I tried to take more risks,” she said. “I’m proud of the effort, even if I still think I can clean things up. It’s so fun to be racing at home, and it makes the day special.”
Valérie Grenier — 13th
Grenier opened with strong intent but lost time in the middle sections of the second run. She skied steadily on the lower pitch to secure 13th and finish as the top Canadian on the day.
Mikaela Shiffrin finished 14th after a stronger, more dynamic second run.
“I had to make a big adjustment,” Shiffrin said. “This surface is so specific. I was able to execute a lot better in the second run, and that’s a good direction for the coming races.”
Britt Richardson closed out the North American block in 16th.
“The idea was there; I just didn’t fully connect it today,” she said. “There were good turns in there, and I’ll take that with me heading to Tremblant.”
Paula Moltzan did not finish the second run.
A Strong Day for Copper and One More Race to Come
Despite early-season weather challenges, Copper Mountain delivered an outstanding race surface—firm, consistent, and worthy of a World Cup. Athletes repeatedly praised the snow for rewarding clean skiing and confidence.
The Stifel Copper Cup concludes Sunday with the women’s slalom, the fourth and final race of the weekend. The home crowd has been electric, and Sunday should deliver another high-energy finish to an excellent debut weekend in Colorado.
Race Results
Click images to enlarge
Second Run Analysis: Top Three and Other North Americans
About the Author: Peter Lange
