Lindsey Vonn SG finish area: GEPA pictures
Perfect Conditions Set the Stage in St. Moritz
The first of two St. Moritz super-G races began under pristine conditions, with clear blue skies and a slope impeccably prepared for high-speed competition. Early action confirmed that the course would demand precision and boldness from racers.
Laura Gauché of France, the first skier out of the gate, showcased the course’s challenge and opportunity. She navigated the first three timing sectors cleanly and at speed, only to fall while entering the fourth. Her run highlighted the fast nature of the course and set the tone for what would be required to succeed: great tactics and aggressive, clean turns.
Hütter Tops a Star-Studded Podium in St. Moritz
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The first of two St. Moritz super-G races delivered a thrilling result, with Austria’s Cornelia Hütter claiming victory. Last season’s downhill champion finished 0.18 seconds ahead of Switzerland’s Lara Gut-Behrami, the reigning super-G titleholder, while Italy’s Sofia Goggia, the queen of speed, took third, 0.33 seconds back.
Hütter reflected on her performance, noting the challenges and adjustments she made during her winning run. “Some parts were not easy because the gates are fast, but I think the last part I skied really well—also with my head,” Hütter said. “I adjusted my line because of the high speed, and I think that was the key today. Winning isn’t common for me, so I’ll enjoy this moment, especially with my family here.”
It was a truly star-studded podium, featuring three of the sport’s most decorated and dominant athletes. Hütter, Gut-Behrami, and Goggia once again proved why they are among the elite in Alpine skiing.
Gut-Behrami Finds Confidence Despite Mistakes
“I made a few mistakes today, and they cost me,” Gut-Behrami said. “But overall, I’m happy with how I’m skiing and that I’ve regained my confidence. Tomorrow, I hope to cross the finish line with a clean run and no mistakes.”
Hütter Tops a Star-Studded Podium
The first of two St. Moritz super-G races delivered a thrilling result, with Austria’s Cornelia Hütter claiming victory. Last season’s downhill champion finished 0.18 seconds ahead of Switzerland’s Lara Gut-Behrami, the reigning super-G titleholder, while Italy’s Sofia Goggia, the queen of speed, took third, 0.33 seconds back.
Hütter Reflects on Her Winning Strategy
Hütter reflected on her performance, noting the challenges and adjustments she made during her winning run. “Some parts were not easy because the gates are fast, but I think the last part I skied really well—also with my head,” Hütter said. “I adjusted my line because of the high speed, and I think that was the key today. Winning isn’t common for me, so I’ll enjoy this moment, especially with my family here.”
Gut-Behrami Finds Confidence Despite Mistakes
“I made a few mistakes today, and they cost me,” Gut-Behrami said. “But overall, I’m happy with how I’m skiing and that I’ve regained my confidence. Tomorrow, I hope to cross the finish line with a clean run and no mistakes.”
Goggia Balances Nerves and Strategy
“It wasn’t a perfect run, but it wasn’t bad either,” Goggia said after securing another podium. “I didn’t ski as fluidly as last week, but in the end, it was okay.”
Reflecting on the challenges of St. Moritz, she added, “I was a bit nervous this morning. St. Moritz is always a tricky slope. You really need to have your strategy in mind after the inspection and find the right balance.”
Anticipation Peaks as Vonn Takes the Course
The anticipation across the globe was for bib 31, superstar Stifel U.S. Ski Team member Lindsey Vonn. The winner of 82 World Cup races retired in 2019 but, after a recent knee reconstruction, decided to return to competition. Taking advantage of the Wild Card rule, she started 31st, adding to the day’s excitement.
All eyes were on the American as she descended, marking a historic moment for the sport. Although she didn’t have the speed to challenge the leaders, Vonn delivered a strong and confident run. She crossed the line in 14th place with a huge smile, greeted by an even bigger ovation from the crowd.
Vonn Reflects on Her Comeback
I was a little stressed and a bit behind,” Vonn admitted after her comeback run. “I forgot a couple of things—it was hectic, and I just hadn’t done it in a while. But it was so nice to feel the nerves again. When I’m in the starting gate, I don’t see anything but the gates in front of me. It feels incredible to have the butterflies, the adrenaline to push yourself. For me, it’s always just me against the mountain, and I love that feeling. Tomorrow will be better now that I’m back into the rhythm.
Early Leaders Set the Pace in St. Moritz
Bib six Swiss skier Corinne Suter held the early lead, setting the stage for her teammate and reigning World Cup super-G champion Gut-Behrami, the first superstar of the day to tackle the course. She delivered as expected, charging to a commanding 0.62-second lead, raising the stakes for the rest of the field.
Next up was Goggia, fresh off her super-G win in Beaver Creek. Known for her signature aggression, she attacked the course with precision and speed, consistently threatening Gut-Behrami’s lead. However, she fell just 0.15 seconds short. Gut-Behrami had survived the first major challenge, but the competition was far from over.
Hütter followed with a performance that left no room for complacency. Despite losing time to Gut-Behrami at the top, she made up ground in the lower sections, ultimately crossing the line 0.18 seconds ahead to claim the victory.
Even with these stellar performances, the race was far from decided. When the women race super-G, they all know the competition isn’t over if Italy’s Federica Brignone remains at the start. Wearing bib 10, Brignone displayed her usual skill and determination but lacked the speed to break into the top podium spots. She finished fifth, 0.43 seconds back.
Italy Dominates with Four in the Top Six
The Italians delivered an exceptional performance in today’s St. Moritz super-G, placing four racers among the top six. Goggia led the charge with a third-place finish, followed by Elena Curtoni in fourth, Brignone in fifth, and Laura Pirovano in sixth. It was a standout day for the Italian team, showcasing their depth and strength in speed events.
Macuga Shines for Team USA
The first North American skier to compete was Lauren Macuga, a rising star on the Stifel U.S. Ski Team. Now in her third World Cup season, Macuga continues to draw attention with her impressive results.
Wearing bib 16, the young American delivered another standout performance. Skiing with powerful aggression and confidence, she crossed the finish line in a temporary tie for sixth place with Czech skier Ester Ledecká. By the end of the day, Macuga secured her fourth career top-10 super-G result, finishing tied for seventh.
Macuga Reflects on Aggressive Skiing and Top-10 Finish
“I’m stoked with seventh—it’s pretty good,” Macuga said, reflecting on her performance. “The course looked easier from the POV, but it was busier than we expected. The snow added another factor, and the speeds were higher, so you really had to be on your toes. I missed a turn on the first flat that cost me, but overall, I skied aggressively and did what I wanted to do. I’m excited for tomorrow and ready to improve on this result.”
Grenier’s Speed Threat Cut Short
Canadian Valérie Grenier, skiing with bib 28, brought high expectations to the St. Moritz super-G. The 28-year-old Alpine Canada Alpin racer is best known as a two-time winner of the Kranjska Gora giant slalom, but she also impressed last season with a third-place finish in the Cortina d’Ampezzo downhill.
Though she competes in speed disciplines on a limited basis, Grenier is always a contender when she does. She started strong today, skiing well through most of the course. However, a misstep in the final sector ended her run prematurely.
Mangan Breaks Through in St. Moritz
Stifel U.S. Ski Team member Tricia Mangan failed to ski well enough to score in Beaver Creek but found another gear in St. Moritz. Mangan delivered a solid run, finishing 2.13 seconds behind the Austrian winner. Her performance earned her first World Cup points of the season, marking the third time she has scored in super-G in her career. Mangan finished 25th.
Mangan’s teammate Keely Cashman, wearing bib 50, was determined to break into the top 30 and score points again after her 21st-place finish in the Beaver Creek super-G. Although not at her best, Cashman managed to secure 30th place, joining three of her teammates in scoring points. The other North Americans were unable to finish or ski fast enough to crack the top 30.
Seven Women Score from High Bibs
Seven women starting with bibs above 30 managed to score in today’s St. Moritz super-G. The last to do so was Cashman, who finished 30th, 2.45 seconds behind the winner. The best result from this group came from her teammate Vonn, who secured 14th place, finishing 1.18 seconds back.
Top 30 results and analysis of the fastest three and North Americans among the fastest 30
Analysis of the fastest three and North Americans among the fastest 30
About the Author: Peter Lange
