Sara Hector returned today to the top of the podium in Giant Slalom for a second time this season. Hector was super consistent and extremely aggressive on a difficult and exigent Podkoren slope. The 32-year-old Swedish skier celebrated her 7th Alpine Ski World Cup victory ahead of Lara Colturi (+1.42) and Alice Robinson (+1.52). Julia Scheib finished fourth after setting the fastest time in the second run, moving up nine places from 13th. Scheib, who recently caused a sensation on the Semmering Giant Slalom with her fastest time in the second run, Colturi, and Robinson were not even remotely able to threaten Hector's win on the icy slope.
It's the second time she's won in Kranjska Gora after 2022. The Swede now leads the Giant Slalom standings with 296 points. She also took over the lead in the overall World Cup from Camille Rast.
"I had a great set-up, my skis ran very well and I felt great. It was just great to ski. These conditions really fit me very well" Hector said.
Lara Colturi achieved her second podium finish in the Alpine Ski World Cup today at Kranjska Gora. The 18-year-old skier from Albania, who is the daughter of Olympic champion Daniela Ceccarelli, previously secured her first podium in Gurgl. She is the first skier from Albania to reach the World Cup podium. It seems only a matter of time before Lara Colturi will be at the top of the podium.
"It just feels amazing. I was feeling really confident in myself in the last week and finally, I've made two really good runs," Colturi said.
Alice Robinson achieved her second podium of the season. She finished in second place in the Alpine Ski World Cup Women’s race opener in Sölden. Robinson has finished on the podium in the World Cup 13 times, including 3 victories. The 23-year-old skier from New Zealand is now second-tied with Federica Brignone in the Giant Slalom standings with 200 points. Federica Brignone won the Giant Slalom races in Sölden and Semmering and failed to finish in Killington and today in Kranjska Gora. The Italian took too many risks in the middle section and slipped off the track.
"I knew I could have done better in the first run. I think I skied solid, but I was too conservative. In the second run, I didn't want to think too much. I just wanted to attack and go for it. I think I found a good balance between pushing and being smart with my tactics," Robinson said.
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