Without much surprise, the American won the first slalom of the season in Finland. As for the Swiss, Camille Rast and Mélanie Meillard impressed with good places in the top 10.
Mikaela Shiffrin was unbeatable on the Finnish snow on Saturday. Masterful already in the first round, during which she beat the German Lena Dürr by no less than 0”60, the American did it again during her second round to sign a first victory this season. And not the least: this is her 8th in Finland and the 98th of her career, bringing her ever closer to the great record, never before reached in the history of sport neither for women nor for men, of 100 World Cup victories. The champion at the same time adds one more reindeer to her herd, which continues to grow.
The Austrian Katharina Liensberger, whose form has left something to be desired in recent winters, managed a good comeback to finish 2nd. Lena Dürr, for her part, must once again be content with a podium in Levi, her 5th already, without ever having been able to climb the highest step.
Camille Rast and Mélanie Meillard in power
Among the Swiss, it was the Valais who set the tone. Camille Rast, who has struggled so often on the Levi Black in the past, exorcised her demons with a display of power in the second heat to finish 5th. His best result in Lapland so far was 18th place last year. A confirmation for Vétrozaine which had its best season last winter, finishing 9th in the discipline rankings.
Mélanie Meillard is not far behind. Her 7th place, like a year ago, proves once again that the skier from Hérémence enjoys the Finnish snow. It was here that she scored her first top 10 7 years ago, a feat she has since repeated several times. On Saturday, after a solid and flawless performance, she saw the green light up as she crossed the finish line. A great gift on the occasion of his 100th World Cup start.
Back after an ankle injury, Wendy Holdener finished 16th but sometimes made a good impression for this first slalom in almost a year. Michelle Gisin, who said she dreamed of the big Crystal Globe, started well but missed the second half of her round to finish 24th. Elena Stoffel, Aline Danioth, Aline Höpli, Janine Mächler and Nicole Good failed to qualify for the second round.
SSW
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