Blue Skies and High Stakes
The Semmering slalom kicked off under warm temperatures and brilliant sunshine, but the Panorama race slope lay in the mountain’s shadow. This natural shading preserved the hard and icy race surface while creating challenging flat light conditions. Undeterred, the world’s top women slalom racers attacked the course with precision and aggression, delivering an exhilarating display of skill and athleticism.
No Surprises Among the Leaders
The morning run unfolded as expected, with no surprises among the top contenders heading into the afternoon finale. Croatia’s Zrinka Ljutic, skiing with bib 2, claimed the lead with a commanding 0.51-second advantage over Germany’s Lena Dürr. The Swiss team showcased its depth, with Camille Rast, the Killington slalom winner, securing third place and veteran Wendy Holdener close behind in fourth.
North Americans Face Mixed Results
Among the first 15 racers, only one failed to finish—Stifel U.S. Ski Team star Paula Moltzan. After a solid start in the first sector, she straddled a gate, ending her day prematurely. Due to injuries on both the U.S. and Canadian teams, the only other North American among the top 15 starters was Canada’s reigning world champion, Laurence St-Germain. Wearing bib 9, she struggled to find her rhythm, finishing 2.84 seconds behind the leader, tied for 16th.
Controlled Speeds, Tough Course
Thanks to controlled speeds and forgiving snow conditions, Moltzan was the only DNF at the TV break after bib 30. However, the course remained a true test of skill, as shown by the 4.31-second time spread among competitors.
Amelia Smart and AJ Hurt Battle Through
One of the four North Americans to start among the first 30 was Canada’s Amelia Smart. Although she put in a solid performance, she never found the top gear needed to challenge the leaders. The last North American starter among the first 30 was Stifel U.S. Ski Team athlete AJ Hurt. Returning from a back injury, yesterday marked Hurt’s first race of the season, and today was her first slalom. Known for her aggressive style and high-speed skiing, Hurt reached the slalom podium last season but struggled to find her rhythm, finishing 3.46 seconds behind leader Zrinka Ljutic.
Although Smart, in 21st, and Hurt, in 27th, were not threatening the lead, their solid skiing earned them places in the afternoon finale. With early start numbers, both have opportunities to move up the ranks.
U.S. Women’s Slalom Legacy Faces Challenges
During the 2023-24 season, the U.S. Women claimed first in the Nations Cup slalom standings, a remarkable achievement despite Petra Vlhová competing early in the season and Mikaela Shiffrin missing the slalom in Andorra due to injury. However, while their giant slalom performances have been stellar this season, the slalom team appears to be facing new struggles. However, with plenty of slaloms remaining, there is still time to change the team’s trajectory.
Late Bibs Rise to the Challenge
With only one DNF among the first 30 racers, opportunities for later bibs to qualify for the second run were slim. Despite the odds, two skiers rose to the challenge. The fastest was Switzerland’s Eliane Christen, skiing with bib 47, who delivered an impressive run to finish 19th. Her teammate Janine Maechler, wearing bib 48, secured the final qualifying spot in 30th and will kick off the afternoon finale.
The Stage is Set for an Exciting Finale
With tight competition among the leaders and remarkable skiing from late starters like Christen and Maechler, the second run promises high drama on the challenging Panorama slope. Can Zrinka Ljutic hold her commanding lead, or will veterans like Lena Dürr and Wendy Holdener make their move? And with early start positions, will North Americans Amelia Smart and AJ Hurt climb the ranks? Stay tuned for an electrifying conclusion as the world’s best women slalom racers battle for glory in Semmering.
Top 30 First Run Results
Click images to enlarge
Run Analysis: Fastest Three and Qualified North Americans
About the Author: Peter Lange
