Contrasting Conditions Set the Stage
Saturday’s downhill unfolded under clear skies with soft snow, while Sunday’s Super-G took place beneath high clouds on hard, icy snow. The women started from the same position, and with the faster snow conditions, the Super-G times were only a few seconds longer than those of the more direct downhill.
Brignone Sets the Early Benchmark
Skiing with bib 6, 34-year-old Federica Brignone, yesterday’s downhill winner, took the lead with a 0.35-second advantage over Germany’s Kira Weidle-Winkelmann. Despite her strong performance, Brignone appeared unsatisfied as she crossed the finish line. Flat light and bumpy, hard snow can make a run feel far from perfect. However, when Switzerland’s Lara Gut-Behrami, the reigning World Cup super-G champion, attacked the course and finished 0.34 seconds slower, it became clear how fast Brignone’s run was.
“The conditions were really tough at the end—the visibility was awful, and you couldn’t see anything under your feet,” said Federica Brignone, who finished third. “It was really difficult to attack and stick to your lines. I tried my best, but I knew that if the sun had come out, it would have been a totally different race. But that’s sport.
“I’m happy because, even with a mistake, I didn’t hold back—I kept pushing,” Brignone added. “It’s been an amazing weekend. I love St. Anton. It’s always special to race here because of the history and the atmosphere. The crowd really makes you feel their energy, and I think that’s why I’ve always done well here.”
Goggia Pushes Limits but Falls Short
After the first ten racers had skied, Brignone led the standings ahead of Gut-Behrami and Weidle-Winkelmann. However, the ‘queen of speed,’ Italy’s Sofia Goggia, was waiting at the start. Goggia pushed the limits of possibility throughout her run, threatening the lead with aggressive skiing and gaining time in the bottom section. But for the second day in a row, she went down on her hip, quickly bounced back up, but ultimately did not finish.
Venier Ignites Austrian Hopes
Next came the home-country favorite, Cornelia Hütter, but the Austrian hero fell well short of the top times, leaving the crowd anxious for a spark. Then, her teammate Stephanie Venier stepped into the start gate and delivered a run that ignited the finish arena. Skiing with unwavering courage and sheer determination, Venier attacked the course. As she crossed the line 0.24 seconds faster than Brignone, the crowd erupted into cheers, celebrating a triumphant display of Austrian grit and skill.
I’m really happy with my performance today,” said Venier, who earned her first podium of the season with a strong second-place finish. “The lower part, I just needed a bit more direction—I was too direct—but all in all, I think it was a hard fight for me. When I saw the finish, I told myself, ‘Let’s push the skis down,’ and I’m proud of how I executed.
Macuga Stuns the Field
The Austrian crowd’s elation was short-lived as the Stifel U.S. Ski Team’s rising star, Lauren Macuga, delivered a breathtaking performance that left everyone in awe. The 22-year-old, now in her third year on the World Cup circuit, made the most of improving light conditions to lay down a blistering time, finishing 0.68 seconds faster than Venier. Known as one of the friendliest athletes on the circuit, Macuga crossed the finish line, momentarily unsure of her performance. But when she saw her name at the top of the leaderboard, the realization hit, and she erupted in a jubilant yell, claiming her spot in the leader’s chair.
Reflecting on her first World Cup podium, Macuga said:
“When I crossed the finish, it was quiet, and I thought, ‘Maybe it wasn’t that great.’ But then I saw the number one and I was like, ‘Oh my God, no way!’ It didn’t feel real—I just tried really, really hard.”
Making History
Macuga’s victory was not only her first World Cup win but also a historic milestone as she became the first American to win a super-G in St. Anton.
“I can’t believe it. I’m the first American to win a super-G here in St. Anton—that’s so cool! When you put it like that, it’s just incredible. It’s a dream I’ve had forever.”
Celebrating Victory
Even as she sat in the leader’s chair, Macuga admitted the moment hadn’t fully sunk in:
“I keep looking at the scoreboard like, ‘Is this real?’ I’m shaky, and I don’t want it to be taken away. I know the nerves will settle eventually, but right now, it feels like a dream.”
Macuga also reflected on how her season had been building toward this breakthrough moment:
“After the last two super-G races, I knew I had the potential to be on the podium—I just needed to put down a clean run without mistakes. I didn’t think today would be the day, but I was hoping. And here we are.”
When asked how she planned to celebrate, Macuga’s excitement was undeniable:
“Of course, I’m going to celebrate! This is a dream come true, and I’m so excited. I’ll enjoy every moment of it.”
A Historic Podium
Joining Macuga on the podium was Venier, who had briefly held the lead earlier in the race. Venier’s courageous and determined skiing brought the Austrian crowd to its feet as she finished 0.68 seconds behind Macuga.
Rounding out the podium was Brignone, Saturday’s downhill winner, who finished 0.92 seconds back. Known for her brilliant skiing, Brignone added yet another impressive result to her remarkable season.
Vonn Shines in Her Return
Just off the podium, Lindsey Vonn made a remarkable statement in her much-anticipated return to St Anton. At 40 years old, Vonn faced challenging conditions, battling flat light and a bumpy track. Yet, the legendary skier displayed her signature grit and determination, attacking the course with authority.
Her effort earned her a fourth-place finish, 1.24 seconds behind her teammate Macuga. While she narrowly missed the podium, Vonn’s performance was a testament to her enduring skill and competitive spirit.
The Austrian crowd, well aware of her storied career, erupted in appreciation as Vonn crossed the finish line. The moment served as a reminder of why she remains one of the greatest champions the sport has ever seen.
“I think it was a really good step forward,” said Lindsey Vonn, reflecting on her fourth-place finish. “In St. Moritz, I was just getting back into the rhythm, and yesterday gave me a lot of confidence.
“I was a little more active today, but the conditions were not easy. I made some pretty big mistakes, so to be fourth is something I’m really proud of,” Vonn added with a smile.
The legendary skier also praised her teammate Lauren Macuga, saying, “I’m really proud of Lauren. It’s so nice to be a part of such a fun team. They’re all so motivated and have so much talent, and it’s great to see another American on top of the podium.”
Additional U.S. Ski Team Highlights
Veteran Jacqueline Wiles delivered a steady performance, finishing 24th to earn her first super-G points of the season. Her result puts her in contention for a spot on the February World Championship team.
Keely Cashman, wearing bib 47, crossed the line in 28th place. Consistently scoring in all three super-G events this season, Cashman continues to build momentum and aims to climb further up the leaderboard.
Closing Reflections
The 2025 St. Anton Super-G will go down as a defining moment for Lauren Macuga and the Stifel U.S. Ski Team. Her historic victory, becoming only the sixth U.S. woman to win a World Cup super-G and the first American to do so in St. Anton, showcased her immense talent and determination. As Macuga celebrated her breakthrough win, it became clear that a new star had emerged, ready to shine brightly on the world stage.
Top 30 Race Results: Analysis of the Fastest Three and North American Women in the Top 30
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Analysis of the Fastest Three and North American Women in the Top 30
About the Author: Peter Lange
