Macuga Seventh, Vonn 14th in St. Moritz Super G

Saturday, Dec. 21, eight women of the Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team started in the first European World Cup of the women’s speed circuit in St. Moritz, Switzerland, led by Lauren Macuga, who finished the day in seventh. Lindsey Vonn had her first race back from retirement and finished in 14th. 

Macuga, affectionately known by Cougs by her team, was the first to experience the ever-changing track. Even though the sun was shining on Saturday, heavy snowfall on Thursday and Friday provided more of a challenge than the women’s field anticipated.

"From the point of view run, it looked like it was going to be easy, and I think the whole field agreed; however, it turned out to be very, very busy," reflected Macuga. "It was challenging. I think the [new] snow added another factor in, and the speeds were a little higher than we expected. You really had to be on your toes and always moving."

That was the message Vonn sent back to her teammates in her course report about her first World Cup race after returning from retirement. The snow was getting choppy and active; aggressive skiing was the only way to conquer the course that saw 11 women in the field DNF.

The Swiss crowd welcomed Vonn back with open arms, roaring their approval as she skied to the finish in 14th. To Vonn, retirement in 2019 is a distant memory; it truly feels like she never left.

"[Ski racing] feels very normal," Vonn said with a smile. "It feels like it always has; it's like second nature to me, and I think the most fun part of ski racing is being in the starting gate and feeling like you have to perform at this moment. I love the pressure, and I love that feeling in your stomach and having to focus. Downhill and super-G are two very special disciplines and I'm so happy that I get to race them again."

Of the women running later in the start list, Tricia Mangan and Keely Cashman broke forward into the point-scoring range. Mangan, wearing bib 44, finished 25th overall. Cashman, in bib 50, finished 30th.

On Sunday, Dec. 22, the women have another shot at the track in St. Moritz, although incoming weather forecasts predict much darker, snowier conditions in contrast to Saturday's clear blue skies. Strong winds and visibility challenges are anticipated, and the team has prepared for a much different day of racing and potential course delays.

RESULTS
Women's super-G

HOW TO WATCH
5:00 am ET - women's super G, St. Moritz, Switzerland - live/on-demand: skiandsnowboard.live