First World Cup podium and maiden victory in the World Cup for 25-year-old Valerie Grenier in Kranjska Gora. Until today her best result was two 4th places in the Super-G in 2019 (Cortina d'Ampezzo) and in the Giant Slalom in Kranjska Gora last season. After setting the best time in the first run she confirms her victory being the fastest also in the second run.
It is Canada's first victory in this discipline in 49 years. The last time a Canadian won a Giant Slalom was in 1974 when Kathy Kreiner claimed her only World Cup victory in Pfronten (Germany).
"I have no words, I still can't believe it. It's a dream come true, I've been wanting it for so long and I'm just going to cry because I'm so happy", said Grenier.
Just a week ago in Semmering, Grenier was disqualified for a false start after being fourth in the first run.
"First I was a bit nervous that I would think about it too much. But I felt so good before the second run, I felt so relaxed and just excited to go. Everything was normal as if it was just a normal second run and it worked out", she added.
Marta Bassino finished in second place 0.37 seconds behind Grenier. The 26-year-old Italian skier finished on the podium in the last seven World Cup Giant Slaloms. The last woman to finish on the podium in seven consecutive World Cup Giant Slaloms was Tessa Worley in the 2016-2017 winter season.
"I really like this race and this slope. Today was really fun to ski because the snow was perfect", Bassino said. The Italian has four podiums and two victories in her last four races in the Kranjska Gora.
Petra Vlhova rounded out the podium in third place 0.40 seconds behind the Canadian. Vlhova has claimed seven podium finishes in this season's World Cup, including a second place (Semmering) and two third places (Sestriere and now Kranjska Gora) in Giant Slalom.
It is her 63rd podium in the World Cup, the 17th in Giant Slalom.
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