Sara Hector: GEPA pictures
Hector Dominates Early Runs on Kranjska Gora’s Podkoren Slope
The Podkoren race slope in Kranjska Gora proved a stern test for the world’s top Giant Slalom skiers during the first run of today’s competition. The demanding course and icy conditions delivered surprising results as the first elite racers battled for early dominance.
Hector Takes Commanding Lead
Sweden’s Olympic champion, Sara Hector, delivered a spectacular first run, navigating the challenging terrain with precision and speed. Her impressive performance placed her 1.19 seconds ahead of Norway’s Thea Louise Stjernesund, who held the second-fastest time after the first seven racers. Hector’s significant lead underscores her mastery of the technical Podkoren slope and set a high bar for the remaining field.
Brignone’s Shocking Exit
Another surprise unfolded early when Italy’s Federica Brignone, the GS season leader and two-time winner this season, failed to finish her run. Brignone struggled in the second sector, cutting her day short and leaving fans in disbelief. Her early exit highlights the unforgiving nature of the course and shakes up the expected battle for podium spots.
Rising Star Colturi Impresses
Eighteen-year-old Lara Colturi of Albania stole the spotlight among the first fifteen to start. Wearing bib 10, Colturi posted the second-fastest time of the morning at 1.13 seconds behind Hector. Her poised and confident skiing on such a challenging course cements her status as one to watch in this race.
The fastest five from the morning are Hector, Colturi, Stjernesund, New Zealand’s Robinson, and Switzerland’s Gut-Behrami, a dramatic 1.72 seconds behind the Swede.
North American Standouts and Struggles
North American racers delivered mixed results among the early starters. AJ Hurt of the Stifel U.S. Ski Team, competing in only her second GS of the season, put down a strong performance to finish ninth fastest, 1.91 seconds behind leader Sara Hector. Hurt’s solid run sets her up as a contender heading into the afternoon.
Canada’s Valerie Grenier, a two-time winner on the Podkoren slope, struggled to find her rhythm and finished 3.76 seconds off the pace, failing to qualify for the afternoon finale. Hurt’s teammate Moltzan also endured disappointment, unable to complete her run and joining Italy’s Brignone as one of the early DNFs.
Notably, for the first time this season, none of the Canadian women advanced to the afternoon finale.
Later, Stifel U.S. Ski Team’s Nina O’Brien, starting with bib 20, delivered a standout performance. O’Brien skied with power and determination, crossing the finish faster than Hurt in sixth place, 1.77 seconds behind the leader. With second-fastest Lara Colturi trailing Hector by 1.13 seconds, both O’Brien and Hurt have positioned themselves well to challenge for podium spots in the second run.
With the first 30 skiers completing their morning runs, three athletes failed to finish: Brignone, Moltzan, and Canada’s Britt Richardson. Despite the competitive field, 11 of the first 30 racers finished more than three seconds behind leader Sara Hector. This created an opportunity for higher bib numbers to secure spots in the afternoon finale with strong performances.
The last of the North Americans to qualify was Stifel U.S. Ski Team’s Katie Hensien. Hensien has qualified for every second GS run this season. Hensien will have an early start position in the afternoon, qualifying 27th, 3.28, slower than the leader.
Strong Performances from Higher Bibs Shake Up the Standings
Ten women with bibs above 30 delivered standout performances, earning spots in the afternoon finale. Norway’s Kajsa Vickhoff Lie led the charge, wearing bib 31, and tied for seventh 1.88 seconds behind the leader. The final qualifier of the morning was Vickhoff Lie’s teammate Madeleine Sylvester-Davik, who started with bib 61 and secured 24th place, 3.18 seconds off the lead. The time spread among the qualified racers was a significant 3.46 seconds.
Top 30 Results from the First Run
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Breakdown of the Top Three Performers and North American Contenders
About the Author: Peter Lange
