Alice Robinson Triumphs in Kronplatz Giant Slalom,Climbs to World Cup Lead
New Zealand’s Alice Robinson secured a stunning victory in the women’s giant slalom at the FIS ski World Cup in Kronplatz, Italy, marking her first win in four years. The 23-year-old skier claimed her fourth career title, finishing 0.56 seconds ahead of Switzerland’s Lara Gutová Behramiová, with American Paula Moltzanová rounding out the podium at +0.94.
Robinson’s triumph was fueled by a dominant second run, propelling her to the top of the giant slalom standings with 300 points, just four points ahead of Sweden’s Sara Hectorová. “I’m on a good wave now, I’m riding. besides this triumph, that’s good news before the World Cup. I’m glad that my family was here, it brings me happiness,” Robinson shared at the finish line.
the race was not without drama. Favorites Sara Hectorová and Italy’s Federica brignone,who led after the first round,both crashed in the second run. Brignone, who held an 81-hundredths lead, made a critical error in nearly the same spot as Hectorová, ending her chances of victory.Despite the setback, Brignone remains at the top of the overall World Cup standings, 55 points ahead of Gutová Behramiová.
| Key Highlights | Details |
|———————|————-|
| Winner | Alice Robinson (New Zealand) |
| Margin of victory | 0.56 seconds |
| Second Place | Lara Gutová Behramiová (Switzerland) |
| Third Place | Paula Moltzanová (USA) |
| Giant Slalom Standings Leader | Alice Robinson (300 points) |
The women’s circuit now shifts to speed disciplines,with a downhill race scheduled for January 25 in Garmisch-Partenkirchen,followed by a super-G the next day. The action continues with a night slalom in Courchevel on January 30, before the World Championships in saalbach, Austria, from February 4 to 16.
Notably, Slovakian skier petra Vlhová will miss the championships due to a knee injury. Simultaneously occurring, American star Mikaela Shiffrin, recovering from a muscle injury and abdominal surgery, is expected to return for the event.Shiffrin,who has been absent since November 30,is eager to compete in saalbach after resuming training.
Robinson’s victory not only cements her status as a top contender but also sets the stage for an exciting World Championships. With the season heating up, fans can expect more thrilling performances as the world’s best skiers vie for glory.
For highlights of the race, including Robinson’s winning run, check out the video recap.
Headline: “Pioneer too Pinnacle: A Conversation with Skiing Expert Isabelle Michaud on Alice Robinson’s Triumphant Return”
Introductory Paragraph:
Join us as we delve into the thrilling world of alpine skiing with our senior editor, Emma Walsh, and her guest, Isabelle Michaud, a renowned skiing journalist and expert. In this interview, they discuss Alice Robinson’s remarkable comeback, her stunning victory at Kronplatz, and the fiery race to the top of the World Cup giant slalom standings. Get ready to here insights from an insider’s viewpoint on the sport that’s heating up just in time for the World Championships.
Interview:
Emma Walsh (EW): Isabelle, thank you for joining us today. Alice robinson’s victory at Kronplatz was nothing short of amazing. Four years in the making, how would you describe this win for her?
Isabelle Michaud (IM): Thank you, Emma. For alice Robinson, this victory was not just another win; it was a triumphant return to the top of the skiing world. After four long years of persistent effort and numerose setbacks, she finally broke through that barriers that had been holding her back. It’s a testament to her resilience and unyielding determination.
EW: She dominated the second run, managing to turn around a significant deficit. What was it about her performance that stood out to you?
IM: Alice’s second run was a masterclass in skiing. She carved her way down the mountain with an extraordinary blend of speed, precision, and composure. She seemed to know exactly where she was on the course at all times, allowing her to navigate the challenging conditions with pincer precision.It was a display of skill and confidence that reminded us all why she’s one of the best in the world.
EW: The race was filled with drama, especially with the crashes of favorites Sara Hector and Federica Brignone. How do you think these incidents influenced the outcome and the standings?
IM: The crashes of Hector and brignone certainly shifted the dynamics of the race. Alice capitalized on their mistakes, seizing the possibility to overtake them and secure her victory. From a broader standpoint,these incidents have tightened the races for both the giant slalom and overall World Cup titles.With only a few points separating the leaders,every race now takes on added significance.
EW: Speaking of the standings,Alice now leads the giant slalom rankings. How do you see the rest of the season playing out, especially with the World Championships on the horizon?
IM: With Alice at the top of the giant slalom standings and still very much in the mix for the overall title, the stage is set for an exciting conclusion to the season. The World championships in Saalbach will be a crucial milestone, with skiers battling for glory and crucial points. We can expect more thrilling performances and plenty of suspense until the very end.
EW: Lastly, Alice mentioned that having her family there brought her happiness. Do you think this personal touch played a role in her outstanding performance?
IM: Absolutely. For manny athletes, having family and loved ones present can provide an extra boost of motivation and emotional support.Alice’s comments reflect this. It’s a reminder that behind every elite athlete, there’s often a team of family and friends cheering them on and contributing to their success.
EW: Isabelle, thank you so much for sharing your insights. it’s been an enlightening conversation.
IM: My pleasure,Emma. Thank you for having me.