Macuga Top 15 in Cortina Super-G

On Sunday’s super-G in Cortina, Italy, Stifel U.S. Ski Team athlete Lauren Macuga paved the way for the team with a 13th place finish. Teammates Keely Cashman, Tricia Mangan and Breezy Johnson also landed in the points in 23rd, 24th and 25th. 

“I feel like it was some great skiing,” said Macuga. “There were a few too many mistakes but I am happy I was able to get another shot on this hill. Today the conditions were fantastic. The snow is so amazing and it was such a fair race.” 

The weather was a touch warmer with the sun in and out, making the light more of a challenge for the super-G racers. The Cortina surface was still solid underfoot, which created the possibility for any racer to punch it in there amongst the top women. Coming off her win in St. Anton the week earlier, Macuga held her composure with a new amount of pressure on her shoulders. While there were a few mistakes down the middle of the course, she still managed to carry speed and go into the top 15. 

Lindsey Vonn was next for the women and was on fire right out of the gate. With splits on par with a top-five or podium result, Vonn leaned in and fell. However, she is OK and skied through the finish smiling and waving to the fans. Vonn plans to keep the momentum going into Garmisch next weekend. 

Wearing higher bib numbers, Cashman, Mangan and Johnson all came down flying and punched it into the points. 

“I feel good about today. Every race I have been focused on chipping away at the points and it seems like a really good step forward,” said Cashman. “It has been so fun watching Lauren have so much success we have a great team culture and it's awesome.” 

Johnson notably went from bib 51 to 25th place to earn the Stifel Bibbo Award for her great race - on her 29th birthday no less. 

Now the women will make their way to Garmisch, Germany for the next World Cup speed series before the World Championships early February. The giant slalom women race in Kronplatz, Italy on Tuesday.

RESULTS
Women's super-G