Camille Rast / GEPA pictures
Camille Rast Sets the Pace in Kranjska Gora
Running bib 1, Camille Rast (SUI) laid down a statement run in Kranjska Gora, setting the pace early and refusing to let anyone close the gap. From the start, Rast came out in full attack mode, carrying speed into the middle section where she began to pull away from the field. Her aggressive yet smart, tactical approach to a turny course earned her a .33-second lead over Paula Moltzan (USA) at the end of the first run. Rast has two GS podiums to her name to date, though a World Cup win still eludes her.
Rast skied with confidence and composure throughout. Even after briefly losing her outside ski for a couple of turns, there was no panic. She stayed clean, stayed aggressive, and kept pressing. It was a run built on toughness, precision, and trust in her skiing. Afterward, Rast said she was “delighted to get that early number,” and she certainly made the most of it, with many fast skiers still to come behind her. If she can ski like that in the second run, she will be a hard woman to beat today.
Moltzan and Colturi Chase Rast
Paula Moltzan (USA) sits second after the first run (+.33) following a steady and controlled performance. She attacked when needed but stayed smart through the turny sections, keeping rhythm and momentum throughout. Moltzan has two GS podiums to her name so far, though she has yet to win a World Cup in any discipline. Her combination of patience and commitment keeps her within striking distance of the leader, setting up an exciting run two.
Rounding out the podium after the first run was 19-year-old Lara Colturi (+.37), who once again showed maturity beyond her years. From the moment she left the start, Colturi looked calm and in control, executing a clear game plan and sticking to it. She skied with confidence and clean, solid technique the entire way down, handling the relentless Kranjska Gora track with impressive assurance. Colturi has two GS podiums to her name so far, though she has yet to win a World Cup in any discipline.
A Relentless Track Demands Sharp Edges
Kranjska Gora once again proved why it demands athletes arrive sharp and with even sharper edges. From the very first turn, the track offered no room to settle in. With a strong, consistent, and turny set by Nils Coberger, New Zealand head coach, racers had to be switched on immediately.
Several competitors looked uncomfortable from the start, discovering early that their edges simply weren’t sharp enough or that their tactical approach to the turny course was not enough. Turn one caught many out, forcing them into survival mode for the rest of the run. There are few worse feelings in ski racing than realizing early that you do not have the grip or the plan you need and having to fight your way down knowing it.
North Americans Shine in Run 1
The North Americans delivered a strong opening run, with Paula Moltzan (USA) leading the charge in second place after the first run. With four North Americans inside the top 10 and eight qualifying for the second run, it was an impressive showing across the board.
Mikaela Shiffrin looked confident and assertive, delivering a run that reflected the GS skiing she has been steadily rebuilding.
“I’m happy with the run, even if I’d like to be faster,” Shiffrin said. “It was a very turning course, and I had a good plan and stayed determined. I didn’t make any big mistakes, and that puts me in a good position going into the second run.”- Shiffrin
Shiffrin added, “I feel strong about what I did, but now we’ll look at the video and see where I can be cleaner or faster. That’s a nice position to be in during a race.” Reflecting on her return, she noted, “Last year I was watching this race from home, and now to be back here and in the mix with the fastest women is pretty incredible.”
Nina O’Brien (USA) sits seventh after an all-attack run, showcasing her trademark intensity and commitment. Valérie Grenier (CAN) skied solidly as well, despite a couple of mistakes she will look to clean up in run two. Kranjska Gora has been a special venue for Grenier, with both of her World Cup victories coming here in 2023 and 2024, and she will be aiming to put herself back in the fight.
Cassidy Gray (CAN) delivered one of the standout runs of the first run, sliding into the top 15 from bib 45 with an impressive performance and the kind of skiing she’s been honing in training and has finally brought to the course on race day.
Just outside the top 20, AJ Hurt (USA) and Elisabeth Bocock (USA) finished 21st and 22nd respectively. Both will be looking to clean up a few key sections in the second run with the potential to move up the leaderboard.
Early Exit for Alice Robinson
Despite a well-set, consistent course from her own head coach, Alice Robinson (NZL) suffered another early exit. This is the harsh reality of coaching—setting a course and hoping your athlete thrives on it. Robinson is an all-or-nothing racer, a true racehorse mentality that simply cannot be taught.
She wants it badly, and it is clear in her approach. While today was disappointing, her commitment and intent are undeniable, and that same intensity is what makes her so dangerous when it all comes together.
High-Bib Impact — Run 1 (Bib 30+)
- 🇳🇴Bib 30 – Madeleine Sylvester-Davik (NOR): 12th, +1.87
- 🇨🇦Bib 45 – Cassidy Gray (CAN): 15th, +2.12
- 🇨🇭Bib 38 – Sue Piller (SUI): 20th, +2.43
- 🇺🇸Bib 31 – Elisabeth Bocock (USA): 22nd, +2.59
- 🇨🇭Bib 57 – Simone Wild (SUI): 23rd, +2.60
- 🇫🇷Bib 51 – Doriane Escane (FRA): 24th, +2.64
- 🇮🇹Bib 49 – Ambra Pomare (ITA): 26th, +2.80
- 🇮🇹Bib 34 – Alice Pazzaglia (ITA): 29th, +2.89
- 🇨🇭Bib 50 – Dania Allenbach (SUI): 30th, +2.99- — her first World Cup start at just 18 years old
- 🇮🇹Bib 46 – Ilaria Ghisalberti (ITA): 30th, +2.99
First Run top thirty results
Click images to enlarge
Run Analysis of the Leaders and North American Qualifiers
About the Author: Katie Twible
