Lindsey Vonn, Lauren Macuga and Johan Eliasch: GEPA pictures
Who, When, and How to Watch: St. Moritz Super-G Finale
The stage is set for the second women’s Super-G in St. Moritz, taking place Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, on the same demanding slope that delivered thrilling action today. Nestled high in Switzerland’s Engadin Valley, St. Moritz continues to be one of the most prestigious venues on the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup circuit, testing the world’s best athletes on its challenging terrain.
The St. Moritz Super-G course requires precision, adaptability, and bravery. With its high-altitude start at 2,800 meters (9,186 feet) and a near 500-meter (1,640-foot) descent, the track combines steep pitches, sweeping turns, and high-speed straights. The forecast calls for clouds and snow tomorrow, adding an extra layer of complexity to this already formidable race.
Lindsey Vonn Eyes a Stronger Finish
All eyes will again be on Lindsey Vonn as she takes to the course for her second Super-G of the season. The Stifel U.S. Ski Team legend returned to World Cup competition today, securing an impressive 14th place in her comeback race. Vonn’s familiarity with this course, where she has previously won three Super-Gs, and her competitive drive suggest she could finish even higher tomorrow.
Reflecting on her run today, Vonn expressed confidence in her ability to improve. “It felt great to be back, and I’m happy with my run, but I know I can do better,” she said. With a renewed determination to compete with the best, Vonn remains one of the most compelling stories of the season.
Favorites Battle for the Podium
The top contenders delivered today, and tomorrow’s race promises another fierce fight for victory. Austria’s Cornelia Huetter claimed her first Super-G win of the season in today’s race, showcasing impeccable skill on the lower sections of the course. Switzerland’s Lara Gut-Behrami, who finished second, will look to build on her consistency as the reigning Super-G titleholder. Italy’s Sofia Goggia rounded out today’s podium in third and will aim to climb higher in tomorrow’s finale.
Italy’s dominance in the discipline remains a major storyline, with four racers finishing in the top six today. Elena Curtoni, Federica Brignone, and Laura Pirovano joined Goggia at the sharp end of the results. All four are threats to the podium, making Italy the team to watch again tomorrow.
Italy and Austria Lead the Way
The Italians’ strong showing in today’s race underscores their depth in Super-G. With three athletes finishing in the top five at Beaver Creek earlier this month and a dominant performance in St. Moritz today, they are solidifying their position as the top team in the discipline.
Austria, buoyed by Huetter’s victory, also remains a significant force. Ariane Rädler, who podiumed in Beaver Creek, and Stephanie Venier, last year’s St. Moritz Super-G winner, will aim to join Huetter at the top of tomorrow’s results.
Rising Stars and North American Hopes
Lauren Macuga led the charge for the Stifel U.S. Ski Team, tying for seventh place today with Czech skier Ester Ledecká. Macuga’s aggressive skiing and growing confidence mark her as a rising star in the discipline. Tricia Mangan also impressed, scoring her first points of the season in 25th, while Keely Cashman rounded out the American scorers in 30th..
Weather and Expectations
Tomorrow’s forecasted snow and clouds will add unpredictability to the race, potentially leveling the playing field. With racers tackling the same course under different conditions, adaptability will be key. The depth of talent in the field ensures another exciting and competitive event to close out the St. Moritz weekend.
2024-25 Super-G World Cup Standings Top 15
click images to enlarge
Updated Rankings After Two Super-G Races
After two Super-G races, Italy remains the strongest team, with five athletes in the top 15, including four who finished in the top six today. Austria also has five skiers in the top 15, led by Cornelia Huetter’s win and Ariane Rädler’s strong performances. Switzerland now has three racers in the top 15, thanks to Lara Gut-Behrami’s consistency with two second-place finishes. The United States, France, and Norway each have one skier in the top 15.
Fifty-seven women from 14 countries are listed to compete in the Dec. 21 St Moritz Women’s super-G, with Austria, Switzerland and Italy fielding ten athletes each.
North American Women on the World Cup SG Start List
Rising Stars of U.S. Women’s Super-G
Mangan Breaks Into the Points
Mangan delivered a strong performance today, finishing 25th to earn her first World Cup Super-G points of the season. After missing the points in Beaver Creek, she adjusted her approach to ski a clean and composed run. This result marks her third career points-scoring finish in Super-G and provides her with confidence heading into tomorrow’s race.
Cashman Builds on Consistency
Cashman continued her promising start to the season by securing 30th place today, earning her second consecutive points result in Super-G. Following her 21st-place finish in Beaver Creek, she demonstrated her ability to perform under pressure, even in challenging conditions. Cashman’s consistent performances highlight her progress and reliability within the Stifel U.S. Speed Team.
Johnson, Wiles, and Mollin Look to Improve
Johnson, Wiles, and Mollin missed out on the points today but will aim to improve in tomorrow’s race. All three will focus on refining their tactics and skiing more aggressive lines to break into the top 30. With better execution, they remain capable of delivering strong results.
Wright and Grenier Seek Redemption
Wright, Grenier, and Gray did not finish their runs today but are determined to execute enhanced race plans tomorrow. Grenier, with her strong technical foundation, remains a contender for a high finish with a clean run.
Richardson Set for First St. Moritz Super-G Start
The Canadian team will also start 21-year-old Britt Richardson in her first World Cup super-G race in St. Moritz. Richardson previously competed in one World Cup super-G, in Altenmarkt-Zauchensee last season. While her experience in this discipline is limited, she has scored in 12 World Cup giant slalom races, showcasing her talent and versatility as an excellent skier.
Stifel U.S. Ski Team Athletes Racing Downhill
- Bib 4, Lauren Macuga, Stifel USST, Park City Ski Team, Winter Sports School
- Bib 27, Valérie Grenier, ACA, Club de Ski Mont Tremblant
- Bib 32, Lindsey Vonn, Stifel USST, Ski and Snowboard Club Vail. HEAD, Oakley
- Bib 39, Isabella Wright, Stifel USST, Snowbird Sports Education Foundation, Atomic
- Bib 44, Trish Mangan, Stifel USST, HoliMont Snowsports, Dartmouth College, HEAD
- Bib 45, Jacqueline Wiles, Stifel USST, White Pass Ski Club
- Bib 50, Keely Cashman, Stifel USST, Team Palisades Tahoe, Oakley, HEAD
- Bib 52, Allison Mollin, Stifel USST, Team Palisades Tahoe, HEAD
- Bib 53, Breezy Johnson, Stifel USST, Rowmark Ski Academy, Atomic
- Bib 57, Britt Richardson, ACA, Calgary Alpine Racing Club
How and When to Watch
The race starts at 5:00 a.m. Eastern and 2:00 a.m. Pacific Time.
U.S. audiences can watch the race live or as a replay on Ski And Snowboard Live.
Sports enthusiasts in Canada can watch the World Cup on CBC Sports.
Daily Program and Start List
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Start List
About the Author: Peter Lange
