Federica Brignone won the third Giant Slalom of the Alpine Ski World Cup season held in Semmering. The 34-year-old Italian confidently defended her first run lead and finished 0.57 seconds ahead of Sweden's Sara Hector. New Zealand's Alice Robinson (+0.90) came third.
With today's victory, the 34-year-old Italian skier extended her record as the oldest women's Alpine Ski World Cup winner.
"I'm again the oldest winner, I would like to beat my record once again," Brignone said.
The Italian clinched her 29th Alpine Ski World Cup victory, marking the 14th Giant Slalom win of her career. It's her second win of the season after claiming victory in the Season Opener in Sölden. Until today she never finished on the podium in Semmering. The last Italian skier to win there before was Karen Putzer in 2002.
Brignone is now leading the Overall and Giant Slalom standings.
"I think I skied well. I currently feel good on all slopes and in all conditions. I can attack fully. I had never been on the podium at Semmering. For me, the World Cup Crystal Globe is always the best thing and a dream. But I just want to ski well, give it my all, live my life, and win as much as possible," Brignone said.
It's also the first podium in Semmering for Sara Hector. She has claimed 18 World Cup podiums in the Giant Slalom.
"Brignone was skiing really well, she was pushing a lot on the second run. I didn't really have that gas in me," Hector said.
It's the second podium of the season for Alice Robinson. She finished in second place in the Alpine Ski World Cup Women’s race opener In Sölden. The New Zealander has 12 career Alpine Ski World Cup podiums.
"I was feeling quite frazzled after the DNF in Killington and a little bit nervous about today. And I felt like I let a bit of my confidence get to me in the first run, so I was a little bit hesitant on some turns, but I felt like in the second run I really charged and went for it. It wasn't perfect but the intent was there, so I'm happy," Robinson said.
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