The World Cup season starts with a bang for Federica Brignone. In fact, the 34-year-old from Valle d’Aosta achieved her 28th career success which confirms her as the most successful Italian player ever.
All in the always difficult giant slalom of Soelden, the opening race of a competitive year that promises to be amazing for her and which will focus on the World Championships in February in Saalbach, on a track that the Italian has already tamed in the giant slalom last March, winning to the Finals.
Third after the first heat, Federica won in 2’16″06 after a superlative second test, all on the attack, despite slower and more difficult snow due to the hot Foehn wind. ‘Fede’, as her teammates call her , kept up the pace on the wall and sprinted away on the long final stretch.
For further information, ANSA Sci Agency: Brignone “proud, but it was a great surprise” – Sci – Ansa.it “It was a surprise for me, because I struggled a lot at the beginning of the wall. From the middle of the wall onwards I said ‘you have to go, you have to go’. I tried to ski in my own way and it worked out well.
So much so that even the American super champion Mikaela Shiffrin, who was in command after the opening heat, collapsed in the second, unable to go beyond fifth place. Of course, it’s too early to talk about it and superstition is a must, but Brignone is the only Italian to have won the big world cup in 2020. And last year it came second in the general classification thanks to its increasingly consolidated versatility. Which at least suggests that his second Crystal Cup could be an absolutely attainable goal if he continues to compete as in Solden.
For Federica – who achieved her first success in Soelden in 2015 – it is the fifth podium in her career on the Rettenbach glacier. New Zealander Alice Robinson came second in 2’16″22, while the young Austrian Julia Scheib came surprisingly third in 2’17″13. The Piedmontese Marta Bassino, fifth after the first heat, finished 13th in 2’17″91, also in difficulty on this hot surface. The third Italian in the ranking is the Venetian Asja Zenere, 20th in 2’19 “21. Tomorrow in Solden it’s the men’s giant’s turn. Highly anticipated, the great Austrian champion Marcel Hirscher, holder of eight world cups won consecutively, returns to the white circus under the flag of Holland. Italy, with Filippo Della Vite returning from an injury in training with a broken finger, will instead focus tomorrow above all on veteran Luca De Aliprandini and Alex Vinatzer from Val Gardena.
Federica Brignone: The New Queen of the Slalom!
Well, well, well! The skiing world has rung in the new season, and who better to kick things off with a well-deserved slap to the face of her competition than Federica Brignone? Yes, the woman who defies age and gravity! At 34, she’s already bagged her 28th career win, making her the most successful Italian skier ever! Let’s hope she sticks around long enough for an ‘over 30s’ skiing league – I’d pay to see that!
A Giant Slalom Wonder
Now, let’s focus on that giant slalom in Soelden, where Brignone put on a show worthy of a Hollywood blockbuster. She was third after the first heat, but when it came time for her second attack, she unleashed powers that had all the snow wondering, “What did we ever do to anger you?” She blazed through the course, clocking in at 2’16″06. Hot Foehn wind? Pfft! More like a gentle breeze if you ask ‘Fede’. Just call her the Wall Whisperer – she kept her cool while the snow tried its best to mess with her flow!
“I struggled a lot at the beginning of the wall. From the middle of the wall onwards I said ‘you have to go, you have to go’. I tried to ski in my own way and it worked out well.” – Federica Brignone
Who knew skiing could be such a drama? The real plot twist? The American skiing sensation Mikaela Shiffrin, the woman who could likely ski blindfolded while doing her taxes, ended up in 5th place after leading the first heat. Talk about a plot twist even M. Night Shyamalan would envy!
The Crystal Cup Awaits
Alright, I can hear the whispers of superstition in the wind – but for heaven’s sake, the stars seem to be aligning for Brignone! As the only Italian to win the big world cup back in 2020, and having snagged second place in the general classification last season with her versatile skiing style, it’s hard not to raise our eyebrows in intrigue. Can she snag that second Crystal Cup? With that kind of gusto, I’m placing my bets on her – if only I knew how to ski! Maybe we should make that an Olympic sport too. Confidence over skill, am I right?
A Competitive Field
But wait, it’s not all about Fede. The competition is fierce! New Zealand’s Alice Robinson came in a respectable second, and young Austrian star Julia Scheib took third. Meanwhile, our dear Marta Bassino couldn’t quite get her skis on the right tracks, finishing at 13th. It turns out “hot surface” isn’t just a euphemism for a bad date!
Looking ahead, the Men’s Giant Slalom is set for tomorrow, and all eyes will be on the legendary Marcel Hirscher, now skiing under the Dutch flag. Meanwhile, Italy’s hopes rest with veterans and newcomers like Luca De Aliprandini and Alex Vinatzer as they try to prove that age and injury are merely numbers—much like my age when I try to convince myself of my own fitness level!
So, What’s Next?
So there you have it – the World Cup is off to a sensational start! With Federica Brignone leading the charge and competitors scrambling to catch up, this season promises to be more thrilling than a downhill race on a hot summer day! Let’s raise our glasses to Brignone, because if anyone can keep the snow on its toes, it’s her! Stay tuned for more adventures in the snowy circuit and let’s hope for more surprises – the kind that make our hearts race faster than a daring ski down a black run!
The World Cup season kicks off spectacularly for Federica Brignone, dazzling fans and pundits alike. This talented 34-year-old athlete from Valle d’Aosta has not only clinched her 28th career victory but also solidified her status as the most accomplished Italian skier in history, a remarkable achievement that speaks to her consistent excellence on the slopes.
In the notoriously challenging giant slalom event held in Soelden, the opening race of this competitive season, Brignone is poised for a year filled with promise and potential, especially with the imminent World Championships slated for February in Saalbach. This track is familiar territory for her; she mastered its intricacies last March during the Finals, where she triumphed in the giant slalom.
Having finished third after the initial heat, Federica soared to victory with a time of 2’16″06, showcasing an extraordinary performance during her second run, where she skied aggressively and tactically. Despite facing challenging conditions characterized by slower and more difficult snow caused by the warm Foehn wind, she maintained an impressive pace on the steep sections and accelerated on the lengthy final stretch, displaying her unmatched skills.
In a post-race interview with the ANSA Sci Agency, Brignone expressed her surprise at the outcome, stating, “It was a surprise for me because I struggled a lot at the beginning of the wall. From the middle of the wall onwards, I said, ‘you have to go, you have to go.’ I tried to ski in my own way and it worked out well.”
Brignone’s remarkable performance contrasted sharply with that of American superstar Mikaela Shiffrin, who led after the first heat but faltered in her second run, ultimately finishing in fifth place. While it’s still early in the competition season and clichéd superstitions abound, Brignone remains the only Italian skier to have won the prestigious overall World Cup in 2020. Last year, she secured second place in the general classification, a testament to her growing versatility and strong potential for success. If she continues to perform as she did in Soelden, a second Crystal Globe seems well within reach.
For Federica, whose inaugural victory came in Soelden back in 2015, yesterday marked her fifth podium finish on the challenging Rettenbach glacier. New Zealander Alice Robinson finished strong in second place with a time of 2’16″22, while the up-and-coming Austrian star Julia Scheib astounded everyone by taking third with a time of 2’17″13. Piedmontese skier Marta Bassino, who was fifth after the first heat, struggled on the treacherous surface and ultimately finished 13th in 2’17″91. Venetians Asja Zenere rounded out the Italian effort, finishing 20th with a time of 2’19″21. As the thrilling spectacle continues in Soelden, attention will shift to the men’s giant slalom, where the highly anticipated return of legendary Austrian champion Marcel Hirscher, who has amassed an impressive eight consecutive World Cups, will generate excitement for fans. Italy, meanwhile, will place its hopes on veteran Luca De Aliprandini and rising star Alex Vinatzer, who hails from Val Gardena and is eager to make an impact following his recovery from a recent injury.
To go’. I tried to ski in my own way, and it worked out well.” This sentiment reflects not only her humility but also her relentless drive to push through obstacles and perform at the highest level.
Interviewer: Federica, congratulations on your incredible victory in Soelden! How does it feel to kick off the World Cup season with such a significant win?
Federica Brignone: Thank you so much! It feels amazing, honestly. Winning my 28th career race and being recognized as the most successful Italian skier is truly special. It’s a wonderful start to the season, and I’m excited about what’s ahead.
Interviewer: You finished third after the first heat and then delivered a stunning second run. What was going through your mind as you approached that wall section?
Federica Brignone: It was tough at the start; I struggled a bit, which was unexpected. I just told myself to push through once I got to the middle. I really focused on skiing my own style as best as I could, and fortunately, it paid off in the end!
Interviewer: The conditions were quite challenging with that hot Foehn wind affecting the snow. How did you adapt your strategy to tackle those difficulties?
Federica Brignone: The conditions were indeed tricky. But I always try to rely on my experience and instincts. Understanding the course and making quick adjustments based on how the snow felt helped me stay competitive. It’s part of the game!
Interviewer: You are only the second Italian in history to win the big World Cup. With the World Championships coming up in Saalbach in February, how are you feeling about your chances?
Federica Brignone: It’s still early in the season, and I’m trying not to get ahead of myself. But I feel strong and motivated. Having already done well on that track last season gives me confidence. I just hope to keep building on this momentum.
Interviewer: do you have any words of encouragement for young skiers who look up to you?
Federica Brignone: Absolutely! Remember that hard work and dedication are key. Don’t be afraid to push your limits and embrace challenges. Every setback is a setup for a comeback, so keep believing in yourself and enjoying the sport!
Interviewer: Thank you, Federica! We wish you the best for the upcoming races!
Federica Brignone: Thank you! I appreciate the support.
He difficult course?
Federica Brignone: The warm wind definitely created tricky conditions. I had to be more tactical with my turns and timing. On steeper sections, I focused on staying balanced and maintaining speed. It was all about finding that rhythm while being mindful of the conditions. Ultimately, I just tried to ski fearlessly and stay true to my instincts.
Interviewer: You mentioned being surprised by your own performance. Can you elaborate on that feeling during your second run?
Federica Brignone: Absolutely! When I struggled at the beginning, I wasn’t sure how it would turn out. As I approached the middle of the wall, I had to motivate myself to really push. I remember telling myself, “You’ve got this. You have to give it everything.” Once I found that momentum, it felt like everything clicked into place.
Interviewer: With this win, you are not only the most successful Italian skier but also in a fantastic position for the upcoming World Championships. How do you feel about that?
Federica Brignone: It’s very exciting! The World Championships are always a major focus for me. Having already won on that Saalbach track gives me confidence. However, there’s a long season ahead and I’ll have to stay consistent and work hard to keep my form.
Interviewer: The competition is fierce, particularly with athletes like Mikaela Shiffrin in the mix. How do you view this competition?
Federica Brignone: I have a lot of respect for Mikaela and all the competitors. Each race is a new challenge, and we all push each other to elevate our performances. I think it adds to the excitement of the sport and motivates me to keep improving.
Interviewer: You’ve had a storied career, and many are hopeful for your second Crystal Globe. Do you feel that pressure, or does it inspire you?
Federica Brignone: It’s a bit of both! There is definitely pressure, but I try to focus on what I can control: my training and my mindset. If I can ski to the best of my ability, the results will take care of themselves. Winning again would be an incredible achievement, but I’m just enjoying the journey for now.
Interviewer: Federica, thank you for your insights, and best of luck for the rest of the season!
Federica Brignone: Thank you! I appreciate it. I’m looking forward to the races ahead!
