Lindsey Vonn finished third in a super-G in Val d’Isère, adding another podium to her Olympic season and cementing her return to the World Cup after a five-season retirement.
Vonn’s Consistent Performance
Vonn’s third place came a day after she had taken third in Saturday’s downhill, making the 142nd podium of her career. She hit a high speed of 115 kph (71 mph) but the ideal racing line proved elusive, leaving her 0.36 seconds behind Goggia. Vonn told Swiss broadcaster RSI, “I was happy with my skiing today.” She added, “Sofia put an amazing run together and I knew it was going to be hard to beat her.”
Goggia’s First Win and Emotional Moment
Sofia Goggia won the race, marking her first victory of the season after a disappointing eighth in a downhill the day before. The Italian, who had spent a tear-filled night at her hotel, said, “I really felt a lot of pain in my heart for the (chance) I threw away.” Goggia later reflected, “I thought (my time) wouldn’t have lasted for the victory, maybe not even for the podium,” before admitting, “I’m glad I was wrong.”
Robinson’s Strong Finish
Runner-up Alice Robinson, already a two-time winner this season, finished 0.15 seconds behind Goggia. She had started before strong gusts delayed the race for ten minutes, yet still managed a solid performance. Robinson earned 80 World Cup points for her second place, narrowing the gap to 74 points behind Mikaela Shiffrin.
Race Conditions and Speed
The race was delayed by wind, and the start was pushed back, but the athletes still managed impressive speeds. Vonn’s 115 kph was the fastest recorded in the event, yet she could not match Goggia’s time. Goggia’s run was described as “amazing” by Vonn, and the two former Olympic downhill champions shared a hug in the finish area, both looking pensive about their times.
Vonn’s Career Milestones
Vonn’s podium was the 142nd of her storied career, resumed exactly one year ago after a five-season break aimed at the Milan-Cortina Olympics beginning February 6. Her season to date reads one win, four podiums, and a fourth place in five races over ten days. She noted, “I can’t be too upset with that,” smiling about her progress after a turbulent previous year.
Upcoming Break and Training Plans
Vonn will take a three-week break from racing until a downhill on January 10 at Altenmarkt-Zauchensee in Austria. She said she will go to Aspen with her sister, “Have some time off, hit the gym, recharge and then I’ll come back over here (to Europe) for training.”
Goggia’s Anxieties and Cerutti’s Performance
During the race, Goggia felt anxiety when unheralded No. 27 starter Camille Cerutti carried the fastest time in the third of five splits. Cerutti, who turns 27 Monday, finished in a career-best fifth place nearly half-second behind Vonn. Goggia’s relief was evident as she hugged Vonn after the finish.
Broader Context: Shiffrin, Robinson, and the Overall Standings
Robinson’s second place brought her to 80 points, closing the gap in the overall standings to 74 behind Shiffrin, who rarely starts in super-G. Shiffrin’s pursuit of a record-tying sixth overall World Cup title will resume next weekend in Austria, where a giant slalom and slalom are scheduled at Semmering. Austrian downhill great Annemarie Moser-Pröll won six overall titles in the 1970s, and Vonn has four.
Key Takeaways
- Lindsey Vonn adds a fourth podium to her Olympic season, marking her 142nd career World Cup podium.
- Sofia Goggia wins her first race of the year, her 27th World Cup win and eighth super-G victory.
- Alice Robinson earns 80 points, narrowing the gap to Mikaela Shiffrin in the overall standings.
The race underscored the resilience of veteran skiers and set the stage for the upcoming World Cup season, as athletes prepare for the high-stakes contests in Austria.
