Federica Brignone claimed victory in the first Giant Slalom after Saalbach 2025, showcasing her dominance by posting the fastest time in the second run. It's her 15th career World Cup Giant Slalom victory and 33rd World Cup race in all disciplines. She is now tie with Hanni Wenzel for 10th place on the women's all-time list.
The 34-year-old is already the oldest winner of a women's World Cup race. Of her 33 World Cup victories, more than half (18) have come after she turned 30. Brignone has won a World Cup GS in Sestriere before, in January 2020. The Italian consolidates her leading position in the overall standings. Lara Gut-Behrami who failed to finish the first run is now 170 points behind Brignone.
"It's been really an amazing day. I'm feeling better since yesterday and I knew it was possible to make two good runs. I knew I was not 100 percent, but for the two runs, I was 100 percent. I've been sick for the last few days. I don't think I've ever gone six days without doing any sport in my life. I've taken a step back and saved my energy for today and tomorrow. I'll rest in the afternoon, see what happens and focus on tomorrow," Brignone said.
Alice Robinson finished in second place 0.40 seconds behind Brignone.Robinson has been on the podium in five of the six Alpine Ski World Cup Giant Slalom races this season. Her only race without a podium was a DNF in Killington in November.
"It's very good to be back on the podium. I'm obviously disappointed that I couldn't hold on to first place, but I'm also happy with second place. I skied quite well, but Fede stepped it up again and I wasn't able to match it. She beat me again. You can't push too much here, maybe I skied too hard in this snow. I'm glad that we have another race tomorrow, that's my goal now," Robinson said.
Thea Louise Stjernesund rounded up the podium 1.57 seconds off the pace. It's her first podium finish this season. The last time she finished in the Top-e was in the World Cup Finals in Saalbach on March.
"I'm so happy, and considering the two I have in front of me, they've been so strong this whole winter. So of course, I want to be on the top but for me it meant a victory today to get this third place," Stjernesund said.