Brignone leads, Goggia follows

In the first run of the penultimate giant slalom of the season in Åre (Sweden), the Azzurre were in top form. Federica Brignone and Sofia Goggia ensured an Italian double lead and are jointly in the lead.

March 08, 2025

From: do

Although Federica Brignone had already won four giant slaloms this season, she was still 40 points behind her main rival Alice Robinson in the fight for the giant slalom crystal globe before the race in Åre. Fittingly, these two opened the race with bibs 1 and 2 and rushed out of the start house in warm but windy conditions. While Brignone then took the lead ahead of Sofia Goggia, Robinson had to settle for fifth place.

Brignone put in a strong first run and clearly distanced herself from the New Zealander. With a lead of 0,65 seconds over the discipline leader, who lost valuable time in the middle section due to a small mistake, the Italian put herself in a promising position for the second run. If the New Zealander does not want to lose the lead in the rankings, she will have to shift up a gear in the second run.

Sofia Goggia is lurking in second place. © APA / EXPA/JOHANN GRODER

Brignone's teammate Sofia Goggia also showed an outstanding performance in her 200th World Cup race. The Azzurra was particularly brilliant in the lower section of the course and secured second place with a gap of just 0,34 seconds. This gave the Italians a one-two lead. The third fastest time was achieved by Norwegian Thea Louise Stjernesund (+0,36). Mikaela Shiffrin, on the other hand, is still struggling with her form in the giant slalom and was eliminated after an inside ski error.

The only South Tyrolean in the race was Elisa Platino from Merano. However, with a deficit of 2,69 seconds, she did not qualify for the second round.