Shiffrin Wins Lienz Giant Slalom; Hurt 11th

Stifel U.S. Ski Team athlete Mikaela Shiffrin notched her 22nd career giant slalom win and 92nd career World Cup victory Thursday in Lienz, Austria. 

The Austrian crowds were in full force to cheer on their favorite women ski racers for the first of two races in the town. The snow surface was particularly firm making it a challenge for racers all around. But that didn't seem to deter Mikaela Shiffrin, who scored a dominant lead knifing every single turn to win the first run by 0.63 seconds over second place and more than a second above third place. 

“It was challenging today on a really good surface, but still challenging,” said Shiffrin. “I felt amazing on the first run but I knew I had to push still for the second run.” 

The sun came out to shine second run, but the surface and conditions remained the same. The time margins for top 10 were close with racers able to make big leaps on the second run. First up for the Stifel U.S. Ski Team crew was AJ Hurt, who was 16th after the first run. Hurt was clean and confident to fire herself into an 11th place finish, just a few places out of her career best she achieved earlier this season.

“I am really satisfied about today,” said Hurt. “I’m feeling good about my giant slalom skiing training with Paula and Mikaela. There isn't anyone better in the world to train with.”

Italian force Federica Brignone, fifth first run, blazed down the hill to win the second run and move up to second place overall. Sweden’s Sara Hector skied smoothly to land in third place. But they were no match for Shiffrin and her sizable lead from the first run. Shiffrin had a clean run to finish in first by 0.38 seconds. 

“My goal is to close the gap a little on the giant slalom standings. so I wanted to win it but I also did not want to mess it up. I am super happy,” said Shiffrin, who has now won four races in three different disciplines this season.  

Paula Moltzan also raced with a strong giant slalom, finishing just outside the top 15 in 16th place. 

The women will now focus on slalom for Friday’s race. 

RESULTS
Women's giant slalom

HOW TO WATCH 

4:00 a.m. – Women’s slalom, Lienz, Austria, first run – Peacock
7:00 a.m. - Women’s slalom, Lienz, Austria, second run - Peacock