Katharina Liensberger clearly missed the win. © APA / BARBARA GINDL

In Flachau: Liensberger becomes a tragic figure

The women’s slalom in Flachau offered a great spectacle on Tuesday evening – but with a dramatic outcome for Austria.

14 January 2025

From: det

Everything would have been set up for a big Austrian party at the home race in Flachau. Thousands of fans at the finish and along the course, a full load of floodlight emotions - and then local hero Katharina Liensberger was in the lead after the first run, and with a respectable lead. But when the Austrian took to the track in the deciding race with an incredible lead of 1,5 seconds, the big drama unfolded.

After just a few seconds, Liensberger made a serious mistake that cost her a second. Even after that, the multiple World Championship medalist continued to lose time and finally crossed the finish line "only" in fourth place.

Swiss double victory instead of Austrian triumph

Liensberger's dream of her first victory in almost three years was shattered in dramatic fashion. While the Austrian threw her hands up in disbelief, a murmur went through the audience - and a frightening silence quickly fell in the seething cauldron of Flachau. Only one athlete could no longer be held back: high-flyer Camille Rast was declared the winner.

Camille Rast celebrated her second win of the season. © APA/afp / JOE KLAMAR

After only finishing in 8th place in the first round, the Swiss athlete showed a magical run in the final round and beat the competition to bits. This included her compatriot Wendy Holdener, who finished second (+0,16 seconds) to complete the Swiss double triumph. The podium was completed by the Swede Sara Hector (+0,38).

Rast races to the overall lead

Camille Rast once again lives up to her reputation as a high-flyer. The Swiss technician took home her fourth podium finish of the winter in Flachau (including two victories) and thus grabbed the red jersey of the overall leader. Also because her big rival Zrinka Ljutic had a bad evening. The young Croatian made a serious mistake in the first run and thus missed out on qualifying for the decisive race.

Zrinka Ljutic missed the second run and had to give up the red jersey. © APA / BARBARA GINDL

Also missing in the second round were the South Tyroleans Vera Tschurtschenthaler and Celina Haller, who both failed to finish in the first run. The best Italian in the night spectacle was Lara Della Mea, who finished in 16th place.