As of: January 5, 2025 10:45 a.m.
German slalom ace Lena Dürr is eliminated early – but Emma Aicher surprises with a solid fifth place after the first run. Two drivers are in front at the same time.
The ski slope at Kranjska Gora was icy and slippery, it had rained again in recent days – and so a small layer of ice formed on the prepared snow in Slovenia. Slalom racers were well aware of this on Sunday (January 5, 2024), since some skiers had already slipped during the giant slalom the day before.
And even if this awareness existed: such a slippery slope simply has its dangers and is more difficult to predict. Germany’s strongest slalom racer Lena Dürr also had this experience on Sunday. After only the eighth goal, she escaped and was eliminated. It’s a painful mistake that may now negatively impact their entire season, as this year’s overall battle for the slalom crystal ball is closer than it has been in a long time.
Dürr’s mistake could impact the season
Before the race, Dürr was in second place, just 20 points behind leader Camille Rast. Sunday afternoon it might already be 120 points. Finally, the Swiss, who won the Killington slalom, once again performed well in the race. In third place, just 0.32 seconds behind the two simultaneous leaders Zrinka Ljutic and Wendy Holdener, she advances to the final (from 1 p.m. here in the live ticker).
At least one German accompanies him there. Emma Aicher, who placed 24th the day before in the giant slalom thanks to Sara Hector’s victory, will once again be the strongest German at the finish in Kranjska Gora.
Aicher shines – Dürr does not follow words with actions
Ultimately, Aicher had a brilliant run. In the early splits she was the fastest runner, but then she lost a few tenths at the bottom – and with starting number 18 she moved up to a respectable fifth place (0.66 seconds behind). She now holds the best slalom result of her career (so far seventh place in Are in March 2024). Jessica Hilzinger still has to worry about making the final, 2.38 seconds behind.
Dürr finished 25th on Saturday, just behind Aicher. This is why she was looking forward to the slalom: “I was second here last year, so I have very good memories. The slope is sensational, the atmosphere is good. It’s really fun to ski here.she said on the microphone of the sports show. However, things were different on Sunday. She made a small mistake on the second goal, which was followed by an early exit.
Holdener, Rast and Ljutic shine in Shiffrin’s absence
It’s particularly painful this season. The world’s strongest slalom skiers, multiple winners Mikaela Shiffrin and Petra Vlhova, are both still injured. Ljutic, Holdener and Rast are those who take the breach during the fifth slalom of the winter. Dürr must watch them.
