Federica Brignone has made an impressive comeback. © ANSA / ANDREA SOLERO

Kronplatz celebrates its winner of hearts

The giant slalom at Kronplatz was unparalleled in its excitement and emotion. In the end, there was a sporting winner and a winner in the hearts of the fans.

20 January 2026

From: det

The Erta slope in St. Vigil is one of the most beautiful stages in the entire World Cup. On Tuesday, this wonderful stage was also the scene of some truly great emotions. Federica Brignone celebrated her surprise comeback: 292 days after her brutal injury – a complicated tibia fracture and a torn cruciate ligament – ​​the 35-year-old from Aosta was back at the starting gate. And she immediately astonished everyone.

Brignone finished her first race of the season in an outstanding 6th place. After finishing 7th in the first run, the reigning overall World Cup champion improved even further in the final, making it impressively clear that she will be a force to be reckoned with at the Olympic Games. And this despite the fact that Italy's best female skier has only had 13 days of skiing under her belt.

Brignone himself can't believe it. © APA/afp / MARCO BERTORELLO

“It was such an emotional day today, a wonderful day. I never thought I could achieve this result. It was crazy, everyone was calling my name, I'm not used to that anymore,” said an overjoyed Brignone, who was celebrated frenetically by the many fans in the finish area. Without a doubt, the 35-year-old was the people's champion.

Scheib is unbeatable

Brignone's performance was a surprise. Less surprising was Julia Scheib's eventual victory. The Austrian, who was in third place at the halfway point, conjured up a phenomenal run in the final, posting the fastest time to claim her fourth giant slalom win of the season. Her first crystal globe is now within reach.

The podium, from left: Camille Rast (2nd), Julia Scheib (1st) and Sara Hector (3rd). © APA/afp / MARCO BERTORELLO

Switzerland's Camille Rast finished in second place, while Sara Hector (Sweden), who had led at the halfway point, dropped back to third. Superstar Mikaela Shiffrin missed the podium, finishing fourth. Besides Brignone, another Italian, Lara Della Mea (10th), also impressed. Anna Trocker from Völs, meanwhile, failed to qualify for the second run.

The technical skiers now travel to the Czech Republic, where a giant slalom and a slalom are scheduled for the weekend in Spindleruv Mlyn. Brignone will not be there; she is currently training in Cortina and could be back on the starting grid in Crans-Montana.