This Saturday, the best slalom racers on the planet discovered the Gurgl (Austria) slope in ideal conditions. Without suspense, it was Mikaela Shiffirin who achieved the best time in the first round, ahead of Wendy Holdener and Katharina Liensberger. Qualified for the second round (at 1:30 p.m.), the French Chiara Pogneaux and Clarisse Brèche will have the opportunity to move up a few places in the rankings.
In the freezing Austrian cold, the women's slalom made its debut this Saturday morning on the demanding Gurgl track. Second slalom of the season, the high altitude resort offered ideal conditions for the 76 slalom racers at the start of this third World Cup meeting.
In very cold and difficult snow conditions, it was once again the queen of the circuit, Mikaela Shiffrin, who stood out in the first round.
Shiffrin bib 1 and best time
First bib of the day, the American discovered the track in the best possible way by taking the first time. On the way to a 99th success, Shiffrin is on track to achieve an unprecedented victory in his career at the end of the second round which will begin at 1:30 p.m.
The nice surprise of the morning goes to Wendy Holdener. Starting in 14th position, the Swiss returned to her best level after long months of injury and was satisfied with the second time of the first round (+0''13 behind Shiffrin).
Colturi in the running for the podium
On the podium in Finland last week, the Austrian Katharina Liensberger confirmed her good form with the third time (+0''52). Fourth time this Sunday (+0''61), the Albanian Lara Colturi will also be on the attack in the second round after going out last week on the Levi track.
Very strong performance from the Swiss Camille Raast on the attack this Saturday, she was able to maintain speed despite difficult snow conditions (5th, +0''68). Still very strong like last week (3rd), the German Lena Dueer did the job in the first round to take the sixth time this Saturday (+0''70).
Reaction of pride for Chiara Pogneaux. After Lévi's disappointment, the Tricolore rose to 20th place (+1''82), synonymous with the second round.
The prize for consistency goes to Clarrise Brèche who confirms after her top 15 in Levi by qualifying once again for the second round (25th, +2''12).
Disappointment for Lamure
Disappointment for Marie Lamure, missing out on her first round. After a great top 15 last week, the Savoyard was unable to confirm this Saturday to seek a qualification in the second round. Despite a very good final part on the track, Lamure came very close to qualifying for the second round (31st, +2''53).
Lacking pace, Marion Chevrier very close to 30th place (32nd, +2''55).
Caitlin Mcfarlane finished further back in 40th place (+3.12). Laurine Lugon-Moulin did not manage to finish the first round.
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