Stifel US Ski Team’s Mikaela Shiffrin wins a record 7th Levi World Cup slalom and the 54th of her career—the reigning World Cup Champion who missed the Saturday podium by one place was victorious Sunday. Shiffrin crossed with the lead, but Petra Vlhová, the first-run leader, was still in the start. While Vlhová increased her advantage to (-1.06) through the first two splits, she straddled in the third and became the only racer not to finish the second run. The total Levi victory competition between the two greats is now Shiffrin seven and Vlhová six.

Shiffrin said, “A bit of a rollercoaster, but I think it was a pretty beautiful weekend. It was two wonderful races and I am very satisfied.” She continued, “I got a victory and that is good from the last ten days” 

Shiffrin showed even as she is “building into the season,” she is simply amazing. She made her excellent fortune possible. One thing is clear after the Levi weekend: women’s ski racing is very competitive.

Shiffrin also reflected on her competitor, Vlhová’s, outstanding performance, “I’m happy with the victory, but I think everybody could see that Petra was flying and she did every single run down this hill this weekend. So actually, she really earned the victory, but it’s a little bit of some luck on my side that I got it today. I’m thankful for that.”

Joining the Champ on the podium is Croatia’s Leona Popovic 2nd (+0.18), who earned her second career podium. After being 5th on the first run, Popovic produced fantastic skiing on the second run and the fastest time. Germany’s Lena Duerr finished third (+0.30). Duerr was behind Popovic when she crossed the finish line but watched Sara Hector struggle and Vlhová not finish and to remain on the podium.

Shiffrin, who has 89 career World Cup victories, will compete in Killington on November 25th and 26th.

Canadian Success

The Canadian World Champion, Laurence St-Germain, showed that yesterday’s disappointment was only a hiccup. The former University of Vermont Catamount missed qualifying on Saturday, but on Sunday, she displayed excellence and finished 7th.

“Super happy with this result,” said St-Germain. “I skied two good runs today, especially my second run that was more similar to how I’ve been training. I skied OK yesterday but had a mistake that was really costly so today I wanted to show what I could do. It’s just awesome to have Ali and I in the top seven. Her weekend shows just how strong our team is and what we can push for this season.”

She was also joined in the top ten by her teammate Ali Nullmeyer. Nullimeyer finished one position ahead of St-Germain and completed what can only be described as a great weekend.

Nullmeyer commented, “I’ve been working to focus more on the process rather than the results and truly just letting myself ski and have fun with it. I’m really excited to keep working on this mindset throughout the season!” She continued, “It felt good to be in that position after the first run today. There were some nerves ahead of the second run that I’m happy I was able to manage, and I was able to relax and focus on the skiing. I’m super happy that Lau was right there with me, and I think these results will help us build for a strong season.”

The most significant move in the second run

Sunday’s second run in Levi started with three lead changes among the first three racers. However, the first two occupants could not warm the leader’s throne enough to enjoy its comfort. However, when the third skier, Italy’s Martina Peterlini (bib 45), arrived, she could watch from the desired perch for the next 12 racers. Austria’s Katharina Huber, bib 24, the 16th racer on the second course, finally displaced the Italian. Peterini shows she is returning to good form and uses the 2nd fastest final run to finish 12th and complete a good weekend.

Besides Shiffrin’s winning performance, it was a disappointing day for the Stifel US Ski Team. Although Shiffrin finished with a victory, out of the six US athletes on the start list, she was the only U.S. skier to qualify for the second run.

Fifteen nations qualified athletes for the second run.

Levi slalom results from November 12th and Analysis of the fastest three and additional North Americans

Analysis of the fastest three and additional North Americans