Beaming together from the podium: Sofia Goggia and Federica Brignone. © APA/afp / TIZIANA FABI

Italy's curious double victory in Garmisch

The women's downhill in Garmisch-Partenkirchen shines in azure blue colors! Italy celebrated a double victory, while Austria is worried after a crash.

25 January 2025

From: det

Federica Brignone ahead of Sofia Goggia - and separated by just a measly hundredth of a second: It was a crazy race that took place on Saturday in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. At the end, the two Italian superstars were beaming at the finish. They were also delighted by the Swiss Corinne Suter, who was able to take second place on the podium in her comeback season after tearing her cruciate ligament.

But the big show belonged to Brignone and Goggia. It was spectacular what the two superstars did in the Bavarian mountains. Goggia started off by having a hard time getting into the race and was half a second behind at one point. But then she turned on the turbo with her usual risky driving style and crossed the finish line with a narrow lead over Suter, who had been in the lead until then.

Sofia Goggia raced onto the podium. © APA/afp / KERSTIN JOENSSON

Was that finally Goggia's first victory in Garmisch? No, because her teammate intervened. Brignone, as we have come to expect from her, rode with great skill and was one - yes, one - hundredth of a second faster than Goggia. This also explains the annoyance of Brignone finally evaporated after the botched Kronplatz race on Tuesday. For the Aostanian, it was already the 32nd World Cup victory.

Concerns about Ortlieb

While Italy celebrated, there was cause for concern in Austria. Nina Ortlieb, who has suffered so many injuries in her career and had to undergo around 20 operations, fell and had to be rescued by paramedics. Ortlieb's screams were heard on TV and the race was interrupted for half an hour.

Nina Ortlieb had to be rescued by paramedics. © APA/afp / KERSTIN JOENSSON

Meanwhile, two women from Val Gardena made a small statement: Nicol Delago came 14th, Nadia Delago 19th - this is a season best for the two sisters. Vicky Bernardi (Abtei) was another South Tyrolean who collected World Cup points in 29th place. Meanwhile, ski queen Lindsey Vonn skied past a gate and therefore did not collect any World Cup points.

The Garmisch weekend will be rounded off on Sunday with a Super-G (11 a.m.). Brignone and Goggia are among the favorites there too.