Sweden’s Hector leads in Killington GS

By Published On: November 26th, 2022Comments Off on Sweden’s Hector leads in Killington GS

Although a lower start due to wind means a shorter course, the weather has cooperated, and we have a World Cup women’s GS. The slope was in great shape, thanks to an overnight freeze and yesterday’s rain. Additionally, the skies are clear. It was an excellent opportunity for the higher bib numbers.

The course set by Italy’s D. Simoncelli has challenged the timing of the best women in the world. With four talented women already in the finish, at the end of her first run, Mikaela Shiffrin arrived in 4th place 0.98 seconds off the then-leader, Norwegian Raghild Mowinckel.

However, when the highest-ranked women completed the run, she found herself 10th, 1.36 seconds off the Swedish leader Sara Hector. While unlikely, Shiffrin is the kind of competitor capable of overcoming the deficit and at the end of today, with some luck, find herself standing on a step of the podium.

Paula Moltzan, with bib 21, attacked the challenge and could finish 1.72 seconds behind Hector in 16th. Nina O’Brien fought to the end, clearly putting in the effort, finishing 2.46 seconds back in 26th. Katie Hensien provided excitement, starting with bib 49, putting in a great effort to cross into 25th. Britt Richardson is the fastest Canadian in the first-run finish. Starting with bib 41, Richardson finished in 31st place and barely missed the second run.

Four US athletes have qualified for the second run. The list includes Mikaela Shiffrin, 10th; Paula Moltzan, 16th; Katie Hensien, 25th; and Nina O’Brien, 26th. Today is the first; second run for O’Brien following her injury in the Beijing Olympics.

Lara Colturi, the youngest racer in the field, born in 2006, did what many knew was possible, finishing 27th and earning a second run. Colturi is Italian but races for Albania.

There were seven North Americans who did not qualify for the second run.

First run analysis of the top three and the North Americans who qualified for 2nd run

Click on images to enlarge

Second Run Start List

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