After the canceled downhill on Saturday, super-G was the first official event of the finals, so the fans were thrilled and loud. And they got their reward for fair cheering.
Wind Prevents the Fight for the Downhill Globe
The organizers did a fantastic job dealing with the fresh snow that fell on Friday, yet the gusts of wind that ruled the whole Saturday morning were beyond their strength. Such windy weather would be unfair to some racers and put them at risk, so the organizers decided to cancel the men’s and women’s downhill races on the Challenger slope. As the FIS rules forbid the replacement of races during the finals, the small crystal globes had their winners without a fight.
Federica Brignone (ITA) went away with a women’s downhill title, with Cornelia Hütter (AUT) second and Sofia Goggia (ITA) third. The men’s downhill overall podium represented the Swiss dominance we watched all season long. Marco Odermatt claimed the downhill globe, with Franjo Von Allmen second and Alexis Monney third.
The Swiss did not know that their rivals from Austria would strike back on Sunday.
Men’s Super-G: Austria Strikes Back
During the finals, men and women race on the same track. It was thrilling to watch and compare their times. Women went first, and then men could run their show. Everybody expected the Swiss to repeat what they did all season long; they had many chances, as they had 6 out of 24 racers. However, the best of them, Franjo Von Allmen, only managed third, and Marco Odermatt missed the podium, a rarity in this super-G season. Perhaps it is hard to look for motivation with all the globes safely in his pockets, as nobody wants to get injured with the last race of the season in their vision.
The best run belonged to Lucas Feuerstein from Austria. With bib number 4, he demolished the competition and sat in the red chair, not believing his eyes. His countryman, Raphael Haaser, still bruised after his last crash in the giant slalom in Hafjell, came the closest with only a 0.19-second gap. So, the Austrians could celebrate a double podium at the end of the season.
However, it was a bittersweet joy because Vincent Kriechmayr (AUT) did not like the course that much and finished this season with less than a satisfactory run, which cost him his silver in the super-G rankings and favored another Swiss.
Thus, Marco Odermatt won the Crystal Globe, with his countryman Stefan Rogentin second and Vincent Kriechmayr third.
Women’s Super-G: The Race of Speed Queens
Women’s super-G was a battle between Lara Gut-Behrami (SUI) and Federica Brignone for the super-G Crystal Globe. After the last races in Italy, Brignone was 5 points ahead of her Swiss rival. But Lara Gut-Behrami showed her experience and tactics. Her run was the best we have seen from her, maybe in her long and successful career, and she was in a league of her own. She maintained a 1.29-lead on the second fastest racer, and that victory gave her the globe, as Federica Brignone tried hard and only managed third.
This race also brought a pleasant surprise. Lindsey Vonn finished her comeback season with a podium. The crowds went crazy; this was her home yard, and she proved everybody wrong, silenced all the doubting voices, and finished second.
What a way to finish the season!
The overall super-G ranking featured Lara Gut-Behrami first, Federica Brignone second, and Sofia Goggia third.
Lara Gut-Behrami
Rumors are that this might be Lara Gut-Behrami’s last season, yet she never confirmed that. But she has a shining career behind her.
She got her first World Cup podium in February 2008 in St. Moritz, when she was only 16 years old, and got the audience’s love with her stunt. She fell right before the finish and crossed the line, sliding on her back and still having only a 0.35-second gap on the leader. Lara is never afraid; she loves speed on skis and in fast cars. Yet, she became known for her smooth and precise skiing style over the years.
Over the course of her career, she won 2 overall titles, 6 super-G titles, and one giant slalom title, as well as 9 World Championships and 3 Olympic medals. Her career was also full of ups and downs. During training at her home World Championships in St. Moritz, Lara tore her ACL but returned stronger than ever.
At 34 (in April), she has a happy personal life. It is only natural that journalists ask her when she will end her fantastic career, as she has nothing to prove.
Lara is one of the focused racers who only tells the media what she needs to. She has learned to deal with the press and rarely opens up, even on social media. So, nobody knows for sure.
Perhaps she does not know, as the season is time to focus not to muse over your future plans. And only when your skis are in the technician’s basement and you lie on the beach can you reflect.
One thing is sure: Lara Gut-Behrami wrote history, as no other woman has won as many super-G overall titles as she has. Nobody will take that away from her, regardless of her decision.
