Almost on the podium again
Camille Rast.
clé/Photo AP/Giovanni Auletta
Le podium
- 1. Zrinka Ljutic (CRO) 1:43.33
- 2. Lena Dürr (ALLEM) +1.75
- 3. Katharina Liensberger (AUT) +1,85
Will she one day dominate slalom like Mikaela Shiffrin? Croatian Zrinka Ljutic, 20, won her first World Cup victory in Semmering thanks to an exceptional performance. Twice the best race time, 1.75 seconds or more ahead of the competition, a final run in which she was able to transform a delicate situation into acceleration – simply impressive.
“A dream has come true,” rejoices Ljutic. Winning the race with the fastest time in the second heat, as she saw with Marcel Hirscher or Shiffrin, was “incredible”.
The circle closes
Five places on the podium since January 2023 had already honored Ljutics Palmarès. She made her World Cup debut exactly four years ago in Semmering.
Lena Dürr and Katharina Liensberger, who moved from 7th place to the podium in the second round to the delight of the public, could only marvel. In the first round, organized by Ljutic’s father and coach Amir, Dürr was the only one who could keep up with the Croatian.
The Swiss in the points
- 4. Camille Rast +2.16
- 6. Wendy Holdener +2,41
- 7. Mélanie Meillard +2.82
- 12. Éliane Christen +3.54
- 26. Janine Mächler +5,08
Camille Rast missed her 4th podium of the season by 31 hundredths. The Romandés did not really succeed in exploiting anything. In the first heat she could not take enough advantage of her favorable starting number 3, and in the second heat she only ran 18th.
The 25-year-old, who never really liked Semmering, is therefore not entirely satisfied. But at least: “There were some good passages in it. » In addition, she regained the lead in the general classification of the World Cup, which she had lost the day before to Federica Brignone (ITA).
Holdener still affected
Wendy Holdener, who continues to suffer from the effects of the disease, followed world leaders. However, in the second race her distance was too great for a few goals and she lost two more places. “It was difficult for me and my body. “I was at the limit,” said the Schwyzoise, visibly moved.
For her part, Mélanie Meillard is a guarantee of regularity. The Valaisien also finished in the top 10 during the 4th slalom of the season. With an almost faultless 2nd round, she progressed three places to 7th place.
Firsts for Christians and Mächler
Several Swiss women from the 2nd Guard stood out. In particular, Eliane Christen, 25, was able to fully convince during what was only her third World Cup race. With starting number 47, she climbed to 19th place in the first heat and even moved up 7 places in the final thanks to a courageous run.
The first World Cup points were also scored on the 7th attempt for 20-year-old Janine Mächler (26th place with starting number 48). She made her World Cup debut in January 2023. Aline Danioth qualified for a second round for the first time since her return in November, but dropped out there.
This is how it continues
In Kranjska Gora, Slovenia, this will take place on the 4th and 5th. January continues with giant slalom and slalom. The following weekend, the speed riders will be in St. Anton (Downhill/Super-G).
