Skiers to watch at the Levi World Cup
Mikaela Shiffrin looking for eighth victory in Levi
This Finnish weekend will begin with the women's slalom on Saturday. In the absence of the Slovak Peter Vlhovawho has won six stages in Levi in his career but is gradually recovering from a ruptured cruciate ligament in his right knee, Mikaela Shiffrin will be the big favorite of this Finnish stage.
With four world champion titles, eight small crystal globes and 60 World Cup victories, the American can still make a little more history by winning an eighth success on the “Levi Black” track, while his compatriot Lindsey Vonnspeed specialist and Olympic champion at Vancouver 2010announced his return at the age of 40.
The German Lena Duerrsecond in the ranking of the small globe of the discipline last season, will be one of its main competitors. Just like the Swiss Michelle Gisina versatile and experienced skier who continues to progress in slalom.
Finally, the Croatian rising star Zrinka Ljutic could play spoilsport. The 20-year-old skier had a remarkable 2023/24 season with three second places in the World Cup and a final 8th place in the slalom rankings.
Tough competition among men
On the men's side, the French Clement Noel will be particularly observed. Author of a mixed 2023/24 season with no victory in the World Cup, the native of the Vosges will be keen to get back on the path to success and assume his status as reigning Olympic champion.
But the competition will be tough, with the Austrian in the forefront Manuel Fellerwho impressed with his consistency last season, and who begins the defense of his little globe of the discipline this weekend. His compatriot Marcel Hirscherwho now defends the colors of the Netherlands, has for his part confirmed his presence in Levi.
The eight-time Ski World Cup winner finished 23rd in the giant slalom in Sold (Austria) at the end of October for its comeback after five years of absence. His last participation in a slalom dates back to the Soldeu finals in 2019, but he likes the Levi track, where he won three times in his career (2013, 2016 and 2018).
We will also have to count on the Norwegian Henrik Kristoffersenspecialist in the discipline and accustomed to podiums, who won twice in Finnish Lapland, notably during the last edition (2015 and 2019). Finally, we will have to watch the German closely Linus Strassersecond in the slalom rankings last year, who begins this new season with the status of a serious contender for the small globe of the specialty.
