Juila Scheib AUT / GEPA pictures
Scheib Wins Tremblant GS Thriller; Hector and Robinson Complete Podium as North American Tour Ends
Julia Scheib delivered outstanding, attacking skiing in Mont-Tremblant on Sunday to win the second women’s giant slalom of the weekend and close out the final women’s World Cup race in North America this season. With her second victory of the winter, the Austrian tightens the race for the GS season title and now sits at the center of an emerging rivalry with Alice Robinson.
Early Lead Changes Set Up a Fast, Demanding Second Run
Slovenia’s Ana Bucik Jogan opened the second run with a strong 1:07.26, a time that immediately revealed the set was faster than the first run. But her early benchmark didn’t last. Vanessa Kasper took the lead by 1.21, and the leader’s chair continued to change hands until Hilma Lövblom delivered the first truly competitive run of the afternoon.
Starting third, Lövblom produced clean pressure and excellent timing, moving up 10 places and holding the lead for five racers. She established the day’s first legitimate benchmark.
Della Mea and Moltzan Ignite the First Big Moves
Italy’s Lara Della Mea, the big mover from Saturday, attacked again with confidence and clean edges. She eventually climbed 12 places, matching Moltzan for the biggest move of the day.
Then came the first Stifel U.S. Ski Team racer.
Paula Moltzan delivered one of the runs of the season. She lost time early, surged back in the third split, then exploded across the finish with world-class speed. She crossed 0.62 ahead of Della Mea, taking the lead, delivering the third-fastest second run of the day.
She would lead for a long time.
After the first run, “There were definitely some tears, anger, and frustration,” Moltzan said.
“Being a ski racer is hard — you process a lot of emotions in a short time. I watched the video, talked to my coaches, refocused, trusted my gut, and just went for it.” — Paula Moltzan
By the halfway point, Moltzan had already held the chair for seven racers, but all ten fastest women from the first run still remained.
The First-Run Leaders Falter as Moltzan Climbs
Austria’s Stephanie Brunner and Germany’s Lena Dürr were unable to challenge Moltzan. When Britt Richardson pushed out of the gate, the Tremblant crowd erupted. She led through the first two splits and stayed close through the third before losing time on the bottom — the exact section where Moltzan was untouchable. Richardson ultimately finished 12th.
“I’m a little bit disappointed. I really wanted the top ten,” Richardson said.
“But last year I would’ve been stoked with this, so seeing the progression is a positive. It’s step by step.” — Britt Richardson
Moltzan’s reign extended with eight racers left, moving her up 12 positions and locking her into the top ten, 6th.
Hector Resets the Standard With the Fastest Second Run of the Day
With seven racers left, Olympic champion Sara Hector attacked with precision and power. She built a lead through Sectors 1 and 2, matched her pace through Sector 3, and crushed the final sector — where she was the fastest of the entire field.
Her 1:05.40 was the fastest second run of the day, and she crossed 0.90 ahead of Moltzan, taking command of the race.
“I felt pressure today and I actually called my psychologist between runs — that has never happened in a race before,” Hector said.
“I wasn’t mentally right, but she helped me. I was a little grumpy, but I was able to bring such a good second run. My skiing has been getting better and better, and I’m happy for this one.” — Sara Hector
It was her first podium of the 2026 Olympic season.
Shiffrin Fights and Finishes Fourth
Mikaela Shiffrin, tied for third after the first run, attacked with intensity. She led Hector in the opening split and matched her through three sectors, skiing with clean arcs and high tempo. But Hector’s final sector was untouchable.
Shiffrin crossed 0.60 behind, eventually tying Switzerland’s Camille Rast, placing fourth.
“Julia had a killer run and Sara was lights out. You have no chance to make errors and still be fast,” Shiffrin said.
“Some of my turns were the best I’ve ever done. I’m building. It’s step by step, and the comfort level is getting there.” — Mikaela Shiffrin
She continues to close the gap.
Zenere Holds On, O’Brien Out Early
Italy’s Asja Zenere, the first-run surprise starting with bib 22, maintained a lead in Sector 1 but dropped time in the middle and finished 13th — still one of her best World Cup GS finishes.
The United States’ Nina O’Brien, third after the first run, went out in Sector 2 while charging for her first podium. Her DNF guaranteed Hector a podium place.
Scheib Takes the Lead With World-Class Timing
Starting second-to-last, Julia Scheib attacked from the first turn. She held her 0.60 advantage over Hector through all four sectors, executing exceptional timing on the final pitch and crossing 0.57 up.
“This is very special,” Scheib said.
“The fans and the whole event were amazing. I knew I had to push in the flats because it was straighter. Honestly, the most enjoyable part was crossing the finish line and seeing the green light.” — Julia Scheib
Her run left only Robinson to challenge.
Robinson’s Speed Is Not Enough This Time
Yesterday’s winner and the most dominant GS skier entering today, Alice Robinson, opened with the confidence of a skier chasing her third straight win. She blasted through Sectors 1 and 3 with top-tier pace but lost time in Sectors 2 and 4.
She crossed 0.78 back, finishing third.
Her second run ranked only 13th, yet her notable speed throughout the race kept her on the podium.
Rivalry Intensifies as Robinson Keeps the Red Bib
Scheib’s win tightens the season title race, but Alice Robinson still leads the giant slalom standings by 12 points as the tour leaves North America and heads back to Europe. Scheib is now the clear challenger, and Hector’s form keeps her firmly in any podium conversation.
This is exactly the level of competition the Olympic season demands.
North Americans End the Tour Strong
Mikaela Shiffrin — 4th (tie with Rast SUI)
Matched Hector through three sectors. Close again.
Paula Moltzan — 6th (+12 places second run)
Queen of the second run. Third-fastest time. Massive rise.
Britt Richardson — 12th
Home-snow momentum continues.
Nina O’Brien — DNF
Attacking for the podium. Went out in Sector 2.
Race Results
Click images to enlarge
Second Run Analysis: Top Three and Other Top 30 North Americans
About the Author: Peter Lange
