Jasná finish and Mikaela Shiffrin GEPA pictures

Who is racing in Jasná, when, and how you can watch the women’s World Cup slalom on Sunday, January 21st.

This season’s slalom scene has been a gripping duel between Mikaela Shiffrin and Petra Vlhová, with both women born in 1995 and locked in a decade-long rivalry. With four wins to Shiffrin and three to Vlhová, every race has been thrilling.

Unfortunately, that battle has ended. Today in the Jasná GS, Vlhová fell and tore a ligament in her knee, ending her season.

Before that moment the tight battle for the season’s slalom title saw Shiffrin leading by 25 points with a massive 530 World Cup slalom points, while Vlhová was hot on her heels with 505 points.

For Petra Vlhová, the upcoming slalom race in Jasná, Slovakia, held a special place in her heart. Competing on home turf, Vlhová could have expected to revel in the support of her fellow countrymen and women. The cheers echoing through the slopes of Jasná would have undoubtedly fueled her effort to deliver a spectacular performance. With the thrill of racing in front of her home fans, Vlhová’s motivation was bound to be high as she aimed to please and inspire with every turn down the course.

The season will not be the same without Vlhová and fans will miss the Vlhová Shiffrin rivalry.

Lena Duerr of Germany sits in third place, poised to capitalize if Shiffrin falters. Duerr, with 366 points, is eyeing her second World Cup victory using determination, skill, and a bit of luck. With a 164-point deficit to Shiffrin, it will be difficult to catch the winningest slalom skier of all time.

Sweden’s Sara Hector is riding high from Saturday’s giant slalom win. Previously known for her GS, she showcased her newfound slalom prowess by clinching her first SL podium finish in Flachau. Currently ranked fourth, Hector is making a mark in the slalom standings.

Switzerland’s Michelle Gisin, overcoming struggles from the previous season, is back in elite slalom form. Although competing for the title seems improbable, Gisin has accumulated valuable points.

Top five 2024 season women’s World Cup slalom standings

Sixty-three women representing 22 countries are on the Sunday January 21st Jasná slalom start list.

North American Standouts: A Closer Look

Shiffrin (USA)

Mikaela Shiffrin from the Stifel US Ski Team leads the North American charge. Megastar Shiffrin has claimed four slalom victories this season, showcasing her considerable skills. With an impressive 530 World Cup slalom points, she stands at the forefront of the season’s standings, ready to defend her title.

Nullmeyer (CAN)

Canada’s Ali Nullmeyer is also in the mix; she has been a consistent force in the top 15. A product of Green Mountain Valley School in Vermont and a Middlebury College graduate, Nullmeyer is ranked 9th for the season in slalom, with 156 points. Her exceptional performances in the first two races in Levi, Finland, where she finished 6th twice, set the tone for a competitive season.

Moltzan (USA)

Representing the Stifel US Ski Team, Paula Moltzan, a University of Vermont alumna, is again making her mark in the slalom discipline. Ranked 11th with 138 points, Moltzan’s best finishes this season include a 5th place in Kranjska Gora and Courchevel. Despite facing challenges in three out of seven races, her undeniable talent keeps her in contention.

AJ Hurt (USA)

A rising star on the team is AJ Hurt, displaying a mix of speed and potential. Currently ranked 22nd with 66 points, Hurt secured her first World Cup podium with a third-place finish in Kranjska Gora. Her breakout season has excited North American fans, who anticipate her continued success in Jasná and beyond.

Laurence St-Germain (CAN) first race after a break due to injury

While the injury setback for Laurence St-Germain, the reigning World Champion in women’s slalom, was unfortunate, she will start for the first time since her training injury. Her current rank is 29th for the season, but she scored 54 points in only three races. It will be exciting to see her skills on display again.

Amelia Smart (CAN)

Canadian Amelia Smart is determined to make her presence felt. Smart, a University of Denver graduate, is steadily climbing the ranks, sitting at 30th with 53 points. Her consistency in the last four races indicates a promising trajectory to qualify for the Saalbach finals.

As the North American contingent braces for the Jasná challenge, fans eagerly await a stellar performance from their favorites. The Sunday slalom promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with Shiffrin, Nullmeyer, Moltzan, St-Germain, Hurt, and others aiming to make their mark on the snowy slopes of Slovakia.

North American Women with 2024 Slalom World Cup Points

North Americans entered to race the Jasná slalom on Sunday, January 21st.

• Bib 5, Mikaela Shiffrin, Stifel USST, Burke Mountain, Academy, Atomic, Oakley
• Bib 9, Paula Moltzan, Stifel USST, University of Vermont, Ski and Snowboard Club, Vail, Rossignol/LOOK, Level Gloves
• Bib 14, Ali Nullmeyer, ACA, Middlebury College, GMVS, Atomic, Level Gloves
• Bib 18, Laurence St-Germain, ACA, University of Vermont, Mont Sainte-Anne, Rossignol, LOOK, Level Gloves
• Bib 29, AJ Hurt, Stifel Stifel, Team Palisades Tahoe, HEAD, Level Gloves
• Bib 24, Amelia Smart, ACA, Windermere, University of Denver, Atomic, Level Gloves
• Bib 44, Lila Lapanja, USA, Independent, Diamond Peak Ski Team, Stöckli, Dalbello, SYNC

About Jasná, Slovakia

Embark on a journey through the history of Jasná, a traditional ski resort with a storied past. In the late ’70s, the slopes of Jasná witnessed the remarkable feats of the Swedish legend, The legacy continued as World Cup competitions graced Jasná three times. From 1979 to 1982, athletes vied for supremacy in the Grand Prix of caves for men, and in 1984, women added their prowess to this alpine theater.

The pinnacle arrived in February 2014 when Jasná hosted the Junior World Championships, showcasing world-class talent on the slopes of Chopok. As Jasná embraced the beginning of a new era, a dream was nurtured — a dream that the World Cup would return to this hallowed ground. Today, that dream transforms into reality as the World Cup unfolds in the very heart of Jasná, marking another chapter in its storied history.

When and how to watch the Jasná Sunday, January 21st World Cup Slalom

The women’s first GS run will begin at 3:30 am Eastern Time, 12:30 am Pacific Time and 9:30 Central European Time. The second run will start at 6:15 am Eastern Time, 3:15 am Pacific Time and 12:15 pm Central European Time.

In Canada, ski racing fans can watch the World Cup on CBC Sports.

In the USA, the women’s World Cups in Courchevel will be available for viewing live and as a replay on the Ski and Snowboard Live streaming service.

First run start list and race program for the Sunday, January 21st Jasná women’s World Cup slalom

Click on the start list and program to download

Race program for the Sunday, January 21st Jasná women’s World Cup slalom