Corinne Suter made a comeback with a victory. © APA/afp / LIONEL BONAVENTURE

Suter and Goggia beam in the downhill run

A few years ago, Corinne Suter was among the best speed skiers in the world. After several injuries, things had quieted down for the Swiss skier before she made an impressive comeback on Friday at the World Cup downhill in Soldeu (Andorra).

February 27, 2026

From: dl

In perfect conditions, Suter demonstrated that she is one of the best downhill skiers in the World Cup. The former World Cup and Olympic champion had last won a downhill race over four years ago. On Friday, Suter secured her sixth World Cup victory overall, beating Nina Ortlieb by eleven hundredths of a second.

For the injury-plagued Austrian, it was also her first podium finish this winter. She seemed just as relieved as Suter. The 31-year-old tore her cruciate ligament in Cortina in January 2024 and had never really returned to her top form since. This victory is now like balm to the soul of the usually so cheerful Swiss skier.

Goggia on the podium

Sofia Goggia also finished on the podium, taking third place. The Italian, like fourth-place finisher Emma Aicher, is in contention for the downhill globe. With three races remaining, the German is the closest challenger to the injured Lindsey Vonn, who still holds the lead. Goggia, who finished 24 hundredths of a second behind her former long-time rival Suter, is also firmly in contention for the smaller globe.

Sofia Goggia is fighting for the downhill globe. © APA/afp / LIONEL BONAVENTURE

The downhill course in Soldeu – with its long turns and flat sections – seemed tailor-made for Nicol Delago. However, a serious mistake in the upper part of the course completely wiped out her speed. As a result, the skier from Val Gardena lost almost two seconds and finished only in 16th place. Delago was visibly frustrated at the finish. Her sister Nadia finished 23rd, while Sara Thaler will go home without any points.

The long speed weekend in the Pyrenees concludes on Saturday and Sunday with the two Super-G races. The start time is 10:15 a.m. each day. Federica Brignone, by the way, opted out of Friday's downhill. The two-time Olympic champion from Italy has still struggling with severe pain.