Shiffrin wins again in Levi

By Published On: November 20th, 2022Comments Off on Shiffrin wins again in Levi

Picture shows Mikaela Shiffrin. GEPA pictures.

Ski racing owes its appreciation to Levi and the women who provided great entertainment.

However, the story is about Mikaela Shiffrin. What more can be said when she wins both slaloms against the best women slalom skiers in the world? 

LEVI,FINLAND,20.NOV.22 – ALPINE SKIING – FIS World Cup, slalom, ladies. Image shows Mikaela Shiffrin (USA) with a reindeer. Photo: GEPA pictures/ Thomas Bachun

Yes, we can acknowledge that she has set a new record for race victories in Levi. We can mention that she is adding to her historical record of wins in one discipline, 49. We can make the obvious jokes about her needing a ranch in Levi to house her six reindeer. 

However, it seems today the only thing to do is enjoy her performance. 

The American produced a near perfect second run to hold off the charging Wendy Holdener and beat the Swiss by 0.28 seconds.

“I really didn’t expect today,” Shiffrin said. “I mean even after the first run. I think everyone who is racing is so strong right now and there’s so much, actually, a little bit of luck.”

“This second run I was pushing as hard as I could push,” she said. “I made adjustments and it felt like a really good pace and tempo. I was strong and solid everywhere,” said Shiffrin.

Wendy Holdener of Switzerland finished second capitalizing on a wonderful final run. Their rival, Olympic slalom champion and last season’s World Cup SL globe winner Petra Vlhová of Slovakia was third, matching her result on Saturday, 0.68 slower than Shiffrin.

“I’m quite satisfied because two times the third place,” Vlhová said. “Of course, it could be a little bit better. We know that we have to improve, that we have to be faster so we will try to make it in the next race.”

Shiffrin leads the overall standings with 200 points, with Holdener second 75 points behind and Vlhová another five points back in third.

LEVI,FINLAND,20.NOV.22 – ALPINE SKIING – FIS World Cup, slalom, ladies. Image shows the rejoicing of Wendy Holdener (SUI), Mikaela Shiffrin (USA) and Petra Vlhova (SVK). Photo: GEPA pictures/ Thomas Bachun

It was also an exciting day for the Stifel US Alpine women’s team.

Starting with Katie Hensien, not only did she qualify with bib 58, but after hitting a stone on the second run, she fought to the bottom without ski grip and ended the day 26th. Ava Sunshine not only scored World Cup points in her first two events but after experiencing edge damage, she battled to stay in the course after a significant challenge on the second run. 

Hensien confirmed she approached both runs the same way. Also, she states she is happy to score World Cup points and believes she will carry her momentum forward to Killington

Sunshine says, “Levi was a super good time, super exciting and fun.”

While Paula Moltzan certainly did not have the series she prepared for, she is skiing well and ready to be among the best. When Shiffrin credits you for pushing her in training, you know you are doing a lot right. 

LEVI,FINLAND,20.NOV.22 – ALPINE SKIING – FIS World Cup, slalom, ladies. Image shows the rejoicing of Mikaela Shiffrin (USA) and team USA. Photo: GEPA pictures/ Thomas Bachun

Additionally, Canadians continue to perform. St-Germain skied well and finished 9th, and her teammate finished the series with two solid results, 14th and 16th. Nullmeyer leaves Levi with 32 slalom points and 15th in the standings.

North America will contribute significantly to the 2022-23 slalom entertainment. Together the Americans and the Canadians made up 20% of the field qualified for the second run. 

The women’s World Cup moves to the United States next weekend for a giant slalom on Saturday and another slalom on Sunday in Killington, Vermont.

Analysis of the top three Sunday’s race Levi

Additional North Americans in the top 30

Complete results of Levi SL 11/20/22

The Associated Press and Ski Racing Media contributed to this report.

This is a developing story, stay tuned for updates.

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About the Author: SR Staff Report