Alpine skiing: Clear guidance for Shiffrin in the Lienz RTL

There is a leap in time behind the leading trio, as fourth-placed French Tessa Worley is already 1.33 seconds behind. Katharina Liensberger was the only Austrian able to put herself in a good starting position for the second round. The 22-year-old from Vorarlberg finished seventh after a dedicated drive, 1.56 seconds behind Shiffrin.

For the rest of the ÖSV women, 50 years after the first World Cup competition in Lienz, it was not enough for a top ten place at the home race. Eva-Maria Brem finished in 15th place (1.98), immediately behind her teammates Ricarda Haaser (2.13) and Katharina Truppe (2.22). For the two-time Lienz winner Anna Veith it was only 2.61 seconds behind with the qualification for the decision.

Shiffrin “much better” than in Courchevel

For Shiffrin, the first round after the disappointing 17th place in Courchevel was a relief. After intensive tests over Christmas, the American found her RTL form again, even though she made a mistake before the start. “Actually, I thought that the start was at 10.30 a.m., I wasn’t finished with my warm-up program,” said Shiffrin in an ORF interview.

In the race, the shortened preparation was not noticeable. “I went into the run without much thought. Maybe that was the key that things went better. I drove much better and more aggressively than in Courchevel. In the second run it can be very different, but I will choose the same tactic, ”said Shiffrin about her tactic in the decision.

Liensberger with a good feeling

Liensberger is aiming for her best RTL result in her career in the second run. So far, the 22-year-old ranked eighth in March 2019 in Soldeu as the top position in this discipline. “I felt very comfortable with certain turns. I take this feeling with me in the second round. I notice that I can drive the turns more and more as I imagine. I’m really looking forward to the second round, ”said Liensberger.

Veith again had a sense of achievement after missing the qualification in Courchevel. “It was better than the last few times, but there is still a lot of room for improvement. You just have to do it step by step. It’s not easy, but I’m trying my best. I started the race with more confidence than last, ”said the Lienz winner from 2011 and 2013.

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