Lara Gut-Behrami stamped her status as one of the very best super-G skiers of all time as she produced a breathtaking final run in Soldeu to grab her fourth season-long Crystal Globe title, narrowly denying fellow superstar Federica Brignone at the death.
With the top five skiers in the standings separated by just 44 points heading into the deciding race, this was billed as one of the highlights of the Audi FIS World Cup Finals and it did not disappoint.
Brignone was the first of the contenders out of the gate. Lying fifth in the standings, the Italian knew exactly what she needed to do. And the prolonged roars from the defending super-G champion in the finish area sent her rivals a clear message she had done it.
Calm and direct on the sharp, straight top section, Brignone’s technical skills sent her flying through the tough, turney lower half to a time of 1:26.92.
It proved too much for Ragnhild Mowinckel. The Norwegian, lying fourth overall, was aiming to become the first female Norwegian racer ever to take the super-G season title but she was unable to match Brignone’s combination, falling 0.25 seconds behind.
That left the way clear for Gut-Behrami, out in bib No.10. Racing in her 15th season, the Swiss star had the small matter of 18 previous World Cup super-G wins plus Olympic and world championship super-G golds to lean on and that class shone through.
A magical top section saw her build a three-tenths of a second advantage on the first split over Brignone and she never looked back. Calm and composed as the soft, spring snow got rutted lower down, Gut-Behrami, even in this field, looked untouchable.
