La Thuile Finish Area: GEPA pictures
La Thuile Downhill Canceled Due to Persistent Weather Issues
LA THUILE, Italy — The final regular-season downhill of the Women’s World Cup will not take place. Persistent weather issues forced the cancellation after two failed training sessions, leaving only one downhill race remaining this season—the World Cup Final in Sun Valley, Idaho.
Unstable Weather Disrupts Training Runs
The first training session, scheduled for Tuesday, was canceled due to unfavorable conditions. Wednesday’s attempt at a second training session also failed, as snowfall and poor visibility continued to disrupt preparations. With the forecast showing no improvement before Sunday, the FIS jury decided to remove the downhill from the program. Instead, organizers will focus on two super-G races on Thursday and Friday, with Saturday reserved as a backup day.
Downhill Season Title Now Hinges on Sun Valley
The cancellation significantly impacts skiers on the’ bubble of qualifying for the World Cup Final. Only the top 25 in the downhill standings earn a spot, meaning the skiers above the rank of 25th lose their last chance to break into the field.
Meanwhile, the battle for the small crystal globe now comes down to just one race. Italy’s Federica Brignone and Sofia Goggia, along with Austria’s Cornelia Hütter, remain the only contenders for the season title.
Focus Shifts to Super-G Races
La Thuile, the last speed venue of the regular season, was set to host one downhill and two super-G races. With the downhill scrapped, attention now turns to the two super G events, which remain crucial in the fight for the season title.
The World Cup Final in Sun Valley will now determine both the downhill and super-G crystal globes, adding further pressure to the season’s final showdown.
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