Killington Delivers Perfect Conditions for Giant Slalom Showdown
The first run of the World Cup Giant Slalom in Killington, Vermont, began under clear, crisp conditions, with a starting temperature of 22 degrees Fahrenheit. Athletes prepared to test their skills on the Superstar trail, energized by cheers from a massive, enthusiastic crowd.
Shiffrin Sets the Standard
Two-time Kranjska Gora winner Valerie Grenier opened the race with a steady performance, showing promise but falling short of the precision and speed required to challenge for the lead. She ended the morning in 12th place.
Immediately following Grenier, Mikaela Shiffrin delivered a masterful run that electrified the crowd. Fans, many eager to see her reach the milestone of 100 career wins, erupted in cheers as she crossed the line 1.83 seconds ahead of Grenier, firmly establishing herself as the leader.
Early Contenders Test the Leader
The action intensified as top competitors aimed to match Shiffrin’s performance. Federica Brignone, the Italian who won the season’s first Giant Slalom in Sölden, raced fourth. Her aggressive effort earned her seventh place, though she trailed Shiffrin by 1.26 seconds. Swedish Olympic Champion Sara Hector, starting fifth, came closer, finishing just 0.32 seconds behind.
As the morning unfolded, Swiss racer Camille Rast, wearing Bib 18, put down a solid performance to claim fourth place, 0.75 seconds back. By the time the first 15 racers had completed their runs, Shiffrin maintained the lead, followed by Hector and Norway’s Thea Louise Stjernesund in third, 0.61 seconds behind.
Shiffrin Leads, Moltzan and Bocock Impress
Shiffrin continued to dominate, but her teammates also delivered strong performances. Paula Moltzan, the second-fastest American, showcased her skills with a run just 1.24 seconds behind Shiffrin, securing sixth place and highlighting the depth of the U.S. women’s team.
Nina O’Brien added to the U.S. success. Carrying momentum from a strong opener in Sölden, she finished in 10th, 1.62 seconds off Shiffrin’s pace. Meanwhile, Katie Hensien, starting 31st, delivered a solid effort to finish 2.35 seconds back, ending the morning qualifying in 21st place.
The standout of the day came from Elisabeth Bocock, the youngest member of the Stifel U.S. Ski Team. Starting with bib 47, she stunned the crowd by finishing eighth, just 1.27 seconds behind Shiffrin. Her breakout run marked her first qualification for a World Cup second run and ensured that all five U.S. team members advanced—a significant achievement.
Other North Americans and Bib 30 Performances
Canada’s Britt Richardson struggled to find her rhythm on the icy course but managed to qualify for the second run, finishing 26th, 2.95 seconds back.
Challenging Course Takes Its Toll
The demanding Superstar trail proved unforgiving, with four of the first 15 starters failing to finish. By the time the first 30 racers completed their runs, five had failed to finish, and six others struggled, finishing more than three seconds off the pace. These conditions created disappointment for some but opened doors for racers starting outside the top 30, who saw greater chances to qualify for the afternoon finale.
Ten racers with bibs above 30 made the cut for the afternoon. The fastest of them was Bocock, whose stellar run placed her eighth. The last to qualify was Italy’s Giorgia Collomb, wearing bib 54, who secured 20th place. The spread from Shiffrin to the 30th qualifier was 3.47 seconds, underscoring the competitive nature of the field.
First Run Top 30 Results and Analysis: Fastest Three and other North American Qualifiers
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Analysis: Fastest Three and other North American Qualifiers
About the Author: Peter Lange
