Breaking through with a remarkable performance, Lara Della Mea clinched her first Giant Slalom victory at the European Cup in Geilo, Norway, on March 19, 2025. This triumph marks a momentous occasion in Della Mea's budding career, as she executed a stunning comeback from 27th place after the first run, ultimately finishing with an impressive time of 1 minute and 44.27 seconds. Behind her, a fierce competition unfolded, with Swedish skiers Hilma Lövblom and Lisa Nyberg taking second and third places, coming in just 0.25 and 0.27 seconds after Della Mea, respectively.
Della Mea's journey was nothing short of extraordinary. In her second run, she gained a staggering 26 positions, showcasing not just her technical ability but also her resilience and strategic skill. After finishing the first run in 27th place, many spectators might have thought her chances for victory were slim. However, she proved everyone wrong. Her remarkable time in the second run not only secured her a career milestone but also added to her confidence as an elite athlete in the making.
"This is my first win in the Giant Slalom within the continental circuit and my third overall, if we count the two slaloms I won between December 2020 and December 2023," said Della Mea after the race, embodying the thrill of achievement and relief after such a gripping contest. Her victory comes at a pivotal time as she continues to develop professionally in a highly competitive field.
The race saw Lövblom leading after the first run, demonstrating her expected strength, but ultimately, she faltered against Della Mea's second run finesse. Despite her initial lead, Lövblom couldn't hold off Della Mea’s explosive performance and ended up in second place. Nyberg, following closely behind, captured the bronze, solidifying a strong day for Sweden.
As for Italy's team performance, Della Mea's win was complemented by strong finishes from her compatriots. Ilaria Ghisalberti secured fifth place, just 0.38 seconds behind Della Mea, while Alice Pazzaglia ascended from her earlier positions to finish eighth, with a time of 0.74 seconds behind. This performance underscores a deeper trend of rising talent within the Italian squad, that includes dashing ski contenders taking notable spots in the rankings.
Other notable performances included Sophie Mathiou in eleventh place, Ambra Pomarè in thirteenth, Tatum Bieler in eighteenth, and Laura Steinmair finishing twenty-third, each contributing to the team's strong showing on the slopes of Geilo. However, not all athletes found success, as Margherita Cecere ended at thirty-fourth and Carole Agnelli at forty-second, while Alessia Guerinoni did not complete her second run.
This opening Giant Slalom race in Norway had implications beyond individual finishes—it was an essential moment in the larger context of Della Mea’s career as well as an opportunity to position herself more prominently in the European Cup standings. As the season progresses, it seems evident that the competition will intensify, but Della Mea’s stellar performance suggests she is ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead.
Looking toward the season’s conclusions, the current Giant Slalom specialty standings show Nina Astner leading with 352 points, followed by Vanessa Kasper with 296 points, and Lövblom in third place with 248 points. Mathiou, with her steadfast performances, rounds out the top six with 229 points, showing that the Italian team indeed has promising contenders in their ranks.
In summary, Lara Della Mea's impressive victory at Geilo not only signifies her potential for future success in the world of alpine skiing but also reflects the burgeoning strength of Italian women in the sport. It sets a hopeful tone in the competitive landscape of European skiing as the athletes continue to push boundaries, striving for excellence on the slopes.
