Full Breakdown
Shiffrin Extends World Cup Lead Amid Curtoni's Historic Win
3/8/2026, 10:50:27 PM
Super-G Race Overview
In a significant event at Val di Fassa, Italy, Mikaela Shiffrin solidified her lead in the overall World Cup standings with a rare start in the super-G, despite finishing 23rd. The race was won by 35-year-old Elena Curtoni, marking her first victory since December 2022 and making her the oldest winner of a women's super-G in World Cup history. Curtoni's win was part of a remarkable weekend for the Italian team, which also saw Laura Pirovano secure two downhill victories.
Key Performances and Results
Shiffrin's performance allowed her to extend her overall lead over her closest rival, Emma Aicher, to 125 points, as Aicher did not finish the race. Curtoni completed the race in 1:29.07, with Kajsa Vickhoff Lie finishing second, just 0.26 seconds behind, and Asja Zenere surprising everyone with a third-place finish after starting with bib No. 33. Zenere's podium finish was her first in World Cup competition, having previously achieved a best result of ninth.
Implications for the Season
With only six races remaining in the season, including two slalom events where Shiffrin excels, her overall title seems increasingly secure. Shiffrin currently leads the overall standings with 1,141 points, while Aicher trails with 1,016 points. The super-G title race remains competitive, with Sofia Goggia leading Alice Robinson by 63 points. Goggia finished ninth in the super-G, while Robinson's fourth-place tie with Romane Miradoli kept her title hopes alive.
Official Statements & Responses
Elena Curtoni expressed her joy, stating, “I gave it everything I had. It really means a lot to me. So much has happened in the past four years, but I have never stopped fighting.” Meanwhile, Shiffrin's decision to compete in the super-G was seen as a strategic move to secure points in the overall standings, especially given her limited participation in speed events this season.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the excitement surrounding Curtoni's victory, the race highlighted the challenges faced by competitors like Aicher, who was expected to contend for the super-G title but skied out early. Critics noted that Aicher's inability to finish the race significantly impacted her chances in the standings.
What's Next
The final super-G race is scheduled for March 22 in Kvitfjell, Norway, where Goggia and Robinson will battle for the super-G crystal globe. Shiffrin will also compete in the upcoming slalom events, where she is favored to add more points to her overall lead.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Seeing Laura being at the top the last two days, it was charging me,” — Elena Curtoni, Super-G Winner
- “I feel confident. We've got one more race so I'm happy to give that everything, but it's a little bit frustrating,” — Alice Robinson, Super-G Competitor
- “I knew I still had it.” — Elena Curtoni, reflecting on her victory.
