Alpine skiing
Petra Vlhova presented in the night slalom in Flachau on Tuesday. However, last year’s Slovakian winner is only 0.07 seconds ahead of US superstar Mikaela Shiffrin (USA). Behind the Swedes Anna Swenn-Larsson (+0.52) and Sara Hector (0.92), Katharina Liensberger (1.05) is also fighting for the podium. The decision for the spectacle in Salzburger Land will be made at 8:45 p.m. (live on ORF1, broadcast starts at 8:15 p.m.).
16.01.2024 18.55
Online since today, 6:55 p.m
The Vorarlberg woman, who achieved one of two third Austrian slalom places this season in Levi, was the ÖSV’s bright spot in the night race. Katharina Troupe is currently 13th, Franziska Gritsch has to worry about qualifying for the second run. Katharina Gallhuber and Katharina Huber were canceled.
So from a local perspective, hopes rest solely on Liensberger. “It’s going at full speed and it’s cool to drive, but I didn’t get into it straight away. It’s partly icy, partly aggressive, but I have a good starting position and can attack fully,” said the fifth-place finisher in an ORF interview after the first round.
Women’s slalom in Flachau
Standing in the first round
Next duel Vlhova – Shiffrin for victory
At the top there is once again the duel between Vlhova and Shiffrin, both have won three runs this season, Vlhova most recently in the absence of Shiffrin. The US star is making her comeback in Salzburg after missing both technical races in Kranjska Gora due to illness. In the meantime, she visited her partner Aleksander Aamodt Kilde, who was seriously injured in the second Wengen downhill and had to end the season early, at her sick bed. But the difficult last few days left no impression; on the slopes in Flachau, Shiffrin presented himself focused and then clenched his fist.
Vlhova is just ahead of Shiffrin
But the Slovakian only leads by 0.07 seconds.
“I actually felt strong and I’m also very satisfied. “I feel healthy again, although I haven’t slept much recently,” said Shiffrin. Vlhova was also happy about her first run. “I saw Lena (Dürr, note) and it was fun. It’s an easy course, so you can really attack it. The waves are very light, you can really ride on them. There were a few mistakes, but it’s a first place finish. I have to repeat that in the second round, it will be a fight again,” explained the half-time leader, who could draw level with a win. With four Flachau successes, Shiffrin currently has one more than the Slovakian.
This article accompanies the program “FIS Ski World Cup Women’s Slalom Flachau”, ORF1, January 16, 2024
