Paula Moltzan Kronplatz 2023: GEPA photos

Who is skiing, when and how to watch the Tuesday, January 30th women’s Kronplatz World Cup GS

Tight Competition at the Top

Seven GS races have already set the stage for a thrilling Kronplatz competition. Lara Gut-Behrami of Switzerland leads the pack with 485 points, closely trailed by Italy’s Federica Brignone with 460 points. The gap is a mere 25 points, making every turn on the ERTA slope crucial.

Stifel US Ski Team’s powerhouse, Mikaela Shiffrin, was within striking distance. She is currently just 56 points behind Gut-Behrami. Unfortunately, her crash while racing downhill in Cortina d’Ampezzo will mean she’ll miss the race in Kronplatz and likely be eliminated from the close battle for the season’s GS title.

That will ease the GS title path for the Swedish sensation Sara Hector, who fired on all cylinders during her dominating Jasná victory. She is currently ranked 4th with 372 points but is gaining momentum with each race.

Kronplatz: A Proven Ground for Champions

Mikaela Shiffrin dominated Kronplatz last season with back-to-back victories. Yet, Gut-Behrami, Brignone, and Hector showcased their podium prowess, setting the stage for a fierce 2024 battle among the remaining top contenders.

Past Kronplatz Success

Shiffrin boasts an impressive three career GS wins on the ERTA, while Brignone and Hector have each secured one. Kronplatz has consistently proved to be a breeding ground for world-class champions, where the most skilled athletes showcase their mettle and leave an indelible mark on the ERTA slope.

Canada’s Valerie Grenier will not race

Unfortunately, Canada’s Valérie Grenier cannot lead the North American Kronplatz charge either. Grenier is currently 5th place in the season’s GS standings with 327 points. With four races remaining, Grenier hoped to make her mark and climb the rankings.

Grenier’s Kranjska Gora victory this season made her a formidable contender. Also, she earned her first World Cup speed event podium on Friday in a Cortina d’Ampezzo downhill. However, she crashed while racing the super-G on Sunday, injured her shoulder, and will likely miss the remainder of the season.

Due to injuries suffered by the two North American standouts this past weekend, only three of the top five ranked women will race in Kronplatz.

However, 55 women representing 18 nations are competing in the Kronplatz ERTA GS on Tuesday, January 30th.

Top-Ranked 2024 World Cup Giant Slalom Women

Stifel US Ski Team’s Pursuit

The Stifel US Ski Team is currently 3rd in the GS Nations Cup standings and was eyeing the second spot. With 34 points separating them from second-placed Switzerland, every podium finish counts in pursuing glory. However, without Shiffrin racing, the path to passing the Swiss women has become even more challenging.

Women’s GS Nations Cup standings

North Americans

Beyond Shiffrin and Grenier, four other North American women have earned GS points, each contributing significantly to the Nations Cup challenge. Paula Moltzan (USA) holds 14th place with 122 points, while AJ Hurt (USA) is a rising star at 15th with 114 points.

Notably, the spotlight intensifies on the young Canadian duo, with Britt Richardson currently ranked 26th with 44 points. Richardson is on the verge of a significant achievement — qualifying for the World Cup GS finals in Saalbach, Austria. The stakes are high, as only the top 25 skiers in each event secure a coveted Saalbach start. Her performances in the upcoming races could tip the scales in her favor and mark a memorable milestone in her skiing journey.

Cassidy Gray (Canada), ranked 42nd with 14 points, is a long shot for the finals. However, as it’s well-known in skiing, it only takes one exceptional result to defy the odds and make a lasting impact.

With its blend of experience and emerging talent, the North American contingent adds depth and intrigue to the battle for supremacy at Kronplatz. The stage is set for an exhilarating showdown on January 30th!

North American Podium Prospects

Moltzan and Hurt, in particular, have podium potential if they bring their A-game. As the race day approaches, the excitement and anticipation among fans and athletes continues to build. The battle for GS supremacy at Kronplatz promises to be a spectacle of skill, determination and fierce competition. Don’t miss the action on January 30th!

North Americans with 2024 Giant Slalom World Cup Points

North Americans Competing in the Saturday, January 19th Jasna Slovakia, 2024 World Cup GS.

• Bib 11, Paula Moltzan, Stifel USST, University of Vermont Ski and Snowboard Club, Vail, Rossignol/LOOK, Level Gloves, Oakley
• Bib 18, AJ Hurt, Stifel Stifel, Team Palisades Tahoe, HEAD, Level Gloves
• Bib 27, Britt Richardson, ACA, Calgary Alpine Racing Club, Dynastar, Lange, LOOK, Oakley, Level Gloves
• Bib 33, Cassidy Gray, ACA, Team Panorama, Atomic, Level Gloves
• Bib 34, Arianne Forget, Belle Neige, Atomic
• Bib 51, Sarah Bennett, ACA, Club de ski Stoneham, Québec Ski Team, Rossignol, LOOK, Level Gloves

Kronplatz: An Alpine Jewel

Nestled in the breathtaking Southern Tyrol, Kronplatz consistently delivers adrenaline-fueled excitement for ski racing fans worldwide. With its majestic peaks and abundant slopes, this alpine gem has become synonymous with World Cup ski racing, capturing the hearts of athletes and spectators.

On January 30th, all eyes will be on the ERTA slope in Kronplatz as it hosts the Women’s World Cup giant slalom. The challenging terrain will provide a thrilling competition, testing the mettle of the world’s best skiers. With a storied history of hosting top-tier events, Kronplatz promises to be an unforgettable showcase of skill, speed and determination.

When and How to Watch the Kronplatz GS

The women’s first GS run will begin at 4:30 am Eastern Time, 1:30 am Pacific Time and 10:30 Central European Time. The second run will start at 7:30 am Eastern Time, 4:30 am Pacific Time and 1:30 pm Central European Time.

In the United States watch the live stream and replays on Ski and Snowboard Live.

In Canada watch the live stream and replays on CBC Sports

Start list and program for the Tuesday, January 30th Kronplatz ERTA GS

Click on Start List and Progam to download

Program for the Tuesday, January 30th Kronplatz ERTA GS