Julia Scheib GEPA pictures
Julia Scheib Leads Season-Opening Sölden Giant Slalom After First Run
SÖLDEN, Austria — Austria’s Julia Scheib set the early benchmark for the Olympic season, charging down the wind-swept Rettenbach Glacier to take the first-run lead in the women’s World Cup giant slalom opener. Her dynamic, powerful skiing produced a time of 1:07.80, a run that grew in stature as each challenger failed to match her pace.
Scheib Sets the Standard
Scheib attacked from start to finish, holding her line through the steep upper pitch and carrying speed onto the flat where many lost time. As the first 30 skiers completed their runs, it became clear how exceptional her skiing had been—no one could match her balance, rhythm, and confidence on the demanding set laid by Swedish coach Walter Girardi.
Strong Start for the Stifel U.S. Ski Team
The Stifel U.S. Ski Team made an immediate statement.
- Paula Moltzan produced a clean, fast run to sit second, +1.28 back, continuing her momentum from last season.
- Mikaela Shiffrin, starting 20th after missing much of last winter with injury, attacked the course and crossed sixth, +1.69, in her first healthy GS since the crash in Killington, Vermont.
- Katie Hensien, who thrilled fans here a year ago with fourth place from bib 47, again delivered. Looking strong after a productive preparation period, she skied with aggression and moved into ninth, +2.01, giving the Americans three racers inside the top 10.
- Nina O’Brien sits 15th (+2.61), AJ Hurt 18th (+2.80), and the rising Elisabeth Bocock, wearing bib 29, recovered from a costly mistake entering the flat to finish 23rd (+3.26)—likely safely into the second run.
Six U.S. athletes inside the top 30 mark an impressive team showing to open the season.
Croatia’s Zrinka Ljutić delivered another strong opening run, skiing with power and control to finish third, just +1.32 behind Scheib, confirming once again why she’s among the most promising young technical skiers in the world.
Canadian Duo in the Hunt
Canada also placed both of its early starters in the mix.
- Valérie Grenier, a two-time World Cup GS winner, finished 10th (+2.13) after a solid but slightly conservative run.
- Britt Richardson, still a teenager, showed flashes of the brilliance that hints at a future podium. She finished 17th (+2.77) and remains well within qualifying range.
Course Challenges and Conditions
The day began under overcast skies and gusting wind, making visibility challenging. The steep upper section punished any hesitation, while the long flat required momentum and patience. Only two racers among the first 30 to race failed to finish the opening run—both Italians, Sofia Goggia and Lara Della Mea—a testament to the athletes’ skill and resilience on demanding early-season snow.
Late-Bib Surprises
Five women starting with bibs above 30 fought their way into the second run. The quickest was Clara Direz (FRA, bib 36), who impressed in 23rd, while Erika Pykäläinen (FIN, bib 42) earned 29th. Their performances prove that even late starters can challenge on the Rettenbach when the skiing is clean and committed.
Looking Ahead
The second run will be set by Alek Glebov, a first-year Stifel U.S. Ski Team coach from Slovenia who once raced speed events for Russia. With Scheib leading and a pack of North Americans close behind, the afternoon promises tension and drama as the field starts in reverse order—where anything can still happen on the edge of possibility.
First Run top thirty results
Click images to enlarge
Run Analysis of the Leaders and North American Qualifiers
About the Author: Peter Lange
