Shiffrin Second in Sestriere; Moltzan Fifth
Stifel U.S. Alpine Team star Mikaela Shiffrin was back on the Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup podium in the slalom in Sestriere, Italy, finishing second. Paula Moltzan was close behind in fifth place, tying her career-best finish in the event, and Zoe Zimmermann scored her first World Cup points in 27th.
The conditions in Sestriere Sunday were an improvement from the day prior, with a better surface and colder temperatures. The sun shone all day, drawing a large crowd to the Sestriere slope. On the podium with Shiffrin was Wendy Holdener of Switzerland with her second career slalom World Cup win and Petra Vlhova of Slovakia in third.
It was Shiffrin's second time on the podium in the Sestriere slalom, having won at the Italian venue in 2016. But she said she was tired, and knows she has more in her. “I am quite exhausted," said Shiffrin. "I think I had some really good turns and some things to fix for the next slalom. It is a step from Killington and a step in the right direction."
Moltzan was very excited about her individual result, but also the strength that the women’s team showed. “I'm proud of myself and I'm proud of my teammate Zoe,” said Moltzan. “Getting your first points is really hard, so to finally cross that threshold is only the beginning for her.”
It was the first time that Zimmermann had qualified for a second run and she scored her best World Cup result. “I was pretty nervous for the second run, but I'm so happy that I finished and I'm so happy that I got points today,” said Zimmermann.
Rounding out the Stifel U.S. Alpine Team, Ava Sunshine and Allie Resnick did not finish the first run, and Nina O’Brien and Katie Hensien did not qualify for a second run.
The men’s slalom team also returned to competition Sunday in Val D’Isére. Luke Winters did not finish the first run. Ben Ritchie and Jett Seymour did not qualify for second run, finishing in 36th and 39th. Lucas Braathen of Norway took the win ahead of Manuel Feller of Austria in second and Loic Meillard of Switzerland in third.
The next World Cup races for Stifel U.S. Alpine Team athletes include men’s speed in Val Gardena Dec. 15-19th and women’s speed in St. Moritz Dec. 16-18th.
RESULTS
Men's slalom
Women's slalom
