Shiffrin Sixth, Moltzan Top 20 in Kransjka Gora

Mikaela Shiffrin finished sixth and Stifel U.S. Alpine Team athlete Paula Moltzan finished 19th on the first day of the two day giant slalom series in Kranjska Gora Slovenia.

The women’s first run was very stacked, mere tenths separated first from tenth, making for a competitive second run. Shiffrin was in fifth and Moltzan 14th after the first run.

“The course held up great, the snow is probably some of the best we have seen this year,” said Moltzan. “My first run felt better than second run, but the good thing is there is another day tomorrow.”

Canadian skier Valerie Grenier secured her first ever World Cup podium and victory with Italian skier Marta Bassino in second, and Petra Vlhova in third.

“I think it was a very exciting race with the top ladies, they skied very well it was fun to watch,” said Shiffrin.

Shiffrin is currently at 81 World Cup wins, just one shy of the 82 record by Lindsey Vonn. Shiffrin plans to remain focused on her skiing as the record looms. 

“It was a great race and I will look at my video to see where I lost time, so we will see if I can pick it up for tomorrow,” said Shiffrin. “I was not thinking about the record today, every race I ski now I have the chance to equalize Lindsey’s record, but I will just focus on my skiing.”

Stifel U.S. Alpine Team athletes Ava Sunshine, Katie Hensien and Stella Johansson finished first run but did not qualify for a second run. Nina O’Brien was ripping first run but unfortunately did not finish.

Shiffrin and the rest of the Stifel U.S. Alpine Team crew have the chance for another giant slalom Sunday.

In Switzerland, the Stifel U.S. Alpine Team men’s giant slalom crew raced on the Adelboden track. There were thousands of fans there to cheer and the atmosphere indescribable.

River Radamus finished in 22nd place and Tommy Ford in 27th. Both racers had trouble on first and second run, but remain in high spirits as they look to the next giant slaloms later this month.

Marco Odermatt of Switzerland had a big win in front of the home crowd, Henrik Kristoffersen of Norway took second, and Swiss skier Loic Meillard in third.

Brian McLaughlin and Patrick Kenney raced as well. McLaughlin did not finish and Kenney did not qualify for a second run.

The Adelboden track turns to slalom on Sunday.

RESULTS

Women’s slalom

Men’s giant slalom

HOW TO WATCH

Sunday, Jan 8, 2023

3:30 a.m. FIS Alpine World Cup, women’s giant slalom, first run, Kranjska Gora, Slovenia streaming on skiandsnowboard.live

4:30 a.m. FIS Alpine World Cup, men’s slalom, first run, Adelboden, Switzerland, streaming on skiandsnowboard.live

7:30 a.m. FIS Alpine World Cup, men’s slalom, second run, Adelboden, Switzerland, streaming on  skiandsnowboard.live

6:30 a.m. FIS Alpine World Cup, women’s giant slalom, second run, Kranjska Gora, Slovenia streaming on  skiandsnowboard.live