Kiwi Alpine Ski Racer Alice Robinson (Queenstown, 23) has secured the 15th World Cup podium of her career, finishing in second place at the FIS Giant Slalom World Cup held in Sestriere, Italy.
“It is so nice to get another podium, I am a little bit disappointed that I couldn’t hold the lead but obviously I am really happy with another second place!” said Robinson.
Excellent visibility and snow conditions greeted the athletes as they prepared to race on the long and physically demanding course. Robinson, in bib 5, executed a brilliant first run, making the most of the available speed in the opening section to carry her across the flats before digging in with her trademark dynamic skiing throughout the final few pitches.
Securing the lead over closest rival Federica Brignone of Italy by -0.19, Robinson took her spot in the hot seat, where she remained for the rest of run one with none of her following competitors coming closer than +1.03 to her exceptional time.
Robinson was pleased with her first run, saying; “It was a really solid run, I was feeling calm this morning and I felt a good feeling on this snow. I got into a really good rhythm from the top and I felt like I attacked and also had a good bit of touch when it was a bit more grippy at the bottom. There are still a couple things I would like to improve on the second run but I am happy.”
The final athlete to push out the start gate for run two, Robinson lead with her 0.19 second advantage. Brignone, the second to last racer, had put down a blistering second run to take the lead by -1.57 and Robinson had her work cut out for her to top Brignone’s time.
Robinson put down a great second run, but wasn’t able to catch Brignone who took the win on home snow, with Robinson coming in second place, just +0.40 behind the Italian. Thea Louise Stjernesund of Norway rounded out the podium in third.
Robinson headed into tonight’s race off the back of her historic World Championships medal last week and as a favourite as the current leader of the FIS Giant Slalom World Cup standings. Robinson said; “It has been a really exciting past month, it’s cool to be leading the GS standings for the first time and a medal at World Champs is just great, so hoping to keep it rolling!” With this result Robinson maintains her lead in the World Cup standings.
When asked about the pressure in a pre-race interview, Robinson explained; “I think for sure that there is more pressure, but something that I keep reminding myself is that this is what we want, this is our sport - you have to just take it in your stride, and this is the dream so I am just trying to take it in my stride and enjoy it.”
This is the first of two back-to-back Giant Slalom World Cup races in Sestriere. Robinson will be back in the start gate at 11pm Saturday night NZT for the second race, taking learnings from today’s race into her skiing with her sights firmly set on the top step of the podium.
17 hours ago