The FIS Alpine Skiing World Cup returns to Semmering, Austria, where the world's elite female skiers are gearing up for another thrilling round of competition. Scheduled for December 28 and 29, 2024, this year's races feature both the Giant Slalom and Slalom events, drawing exceptional talent from across the globe.
At the helm is Italy's Federica Brignone, who has set her ambitions high as she targets her first podium finish at Semmering. Despite her impressive track record, including numerous wins on the circuit, the Panoramic slope remains elusive for Brignone, who has yet to clinch a spot on the podium here. She stated, "Semmering is one of the few places I’ve never been able to reach the podium, even though I’ve always liked it. I finished closely fourth and fifth two years ago, so I'm charging forward and we’ll see what happens this time." This year, her training has been intense, ramping up her preparation after competing elsewhere. She described her recent training at Kranjska Gora as pivotal, saying, "I’ve finally had two serious days of Giant Slalom training because I hadn’t trained seriously since Killington. I feel good physically and ready to attack the competition."
Joining Brignone on the slopes is Marta Bassino, another Italian skier with notable performances at Semmering, previously standing on the podium here twice. The competition isn't limited to the Italians, as athletes from various countries such as Switzerland, Sweden, and the USA are also set to make their mark. Notably, Lara Gut-Behrami of Switzerland and Sara Hector of Sweden are both formidable contenders, eager to capitalize on their capabilities against Brignone and Bassino.
The excitement for the race is palpable, especially after Brignone led the first run of the Giant Slalom competition with a finish time of 1:02:28, edging out Gut by just 0.15 seconds. Hector follows closely behind, showcasing the high stakes of this event. The competitive edge intensifies as more than 30 competitors are vying for excellence, with other Italian athletes like Roberta Melesi and Ilaria Ghisalberti also competing but struggling to keep pace. Competition and camaraderie intersect on the slopes as the athletes prepare to challenge each other and themselves on this revered course.
Fans will also miss the presence of star skier Mikaela Shiffrin, who led her competitors at Semmering during her last visit, securing her first World Cup victory of the 2022 season. Unfortunately, she is recovering from injuries sustained last month and is expected to return only next year. Her absence is certainly felt, but the stage is still set for thrilling displays of grit, speed, and skill from those who are competing.
For those eager to catch the races, Semmering offers live broadcasts exclusively on Peacock, ensuring fans can witness every exhilarating moment from their homes. The FIS Alpine Skiing World Cup continues to highlight remarkable athleticism and determination among women skiers, with the Semmering races promising to contribute to the continuing legacy of this dynamic sport.
The countdown to the races has begun, and all eyes are on Brignone and her teammates as they aim to excel on the slopes at Semmering — this could be the moment where Brignone finally breaks her podium drought at this location!
