Today : Feb 23, 2025
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23 February 2025

Sestriere Slalom And Crans Montana Super-G Ski Races Draw Thrilling Contenders

Mikaela Shiffrin and Marco Odermatt lead the charge on exciting day of Alpine competition

The Alpine Skiing World Cup is heating up as competitors gather for two exhilarating events on February 23, 2025. The women’s slalom race is set to take place at the renowned Kandahar Giovanni Alberto Agnelli slope in Sestriere, Italy, where the top female skiers from around the globe will showcase their skills. Simultaneously, the men will compete in the Super-G at Crans Montana, Switzerland, marking a significant day in the competitive skiing calendar.

Slalom enthusiasts can look forward to thrilling runs scheduled for 9:30 AM and 12:15 PM. Notably, participating athletes representing Italy include Giorgia Collomb, Lara Della Mea, and Marta Rossetti. The stakes are high as they aim to secure valuable points for their standings following the recent world championships held in Austria, which concluded the busy weekend of competitive skiing.

Meanwhile, the Super-G will kick off at 10:30 AM, where Mattia Casse will be aiming for high rankings alongside his Italian teammates Florian Schieder, Giovanni Franzoni, and Christof Innerhofer. The competition promises to be fierce, considering the athletes’ past performances and current form.

For fans eager to follow the action, both events will be broadcast live. Viewers can catch the women’s slalom on Rai Sport and Sky channels, with additional streaming options available via DAZN, Eurosport, and other platforms. The races will be accessible to audiences seeking to cheer on their favorites from home.

Competition at Sestriere is particularly noteworthy as American skiing sensation Mikaela Shiffrin aims for her historic 100th career victory. Following her comeback from injury, Shiffrin demonstrated her formidable skills, clocking the fastest time of 53.79 seconds in the opening round of the slalom. She heads the leaderboard, closely followed by Croatia’s Zrinka Ljutic, who is only 9 hundredths of a second behind, and Austria’s Katharina Liensberger.

After her recovery, Shiffrin has expressed vigor as she enters the competition today, indicating her readiness to reclaim her crown and establish new records. "I've always loved competing here, and I'm excited to push myself again for this milestone," she shared, reflecting her determination on the eve of the events.

The excitement continues with Ljutic hot on her heels, as she looks to solidify her position within the slalom rankings. Just behind them are several athletes within half a second of the lead time, setting the stage for highly competitive final runs.

Among the prominent contenders is Camille Rast from Switzerland, the reigning world champion, who unfortunately had to withdraw following a serious fall during the first heat. The slip left Rast injured and emotional, marking her frustration on what was deemed to be her first substantial outing of the season.

For the Italian team, Marta Rossetti managed to secure 14th place with fellow teammates Della Mea and Peterlini following closely behind. Their performances come as positive news for the Italian skiing community, showcasing their determination and skillset amid challenging conditions.

Meanwhile, at Crans Montana, anticipation builds around Marco Odermatt. The Swiss giant is expected to dominate the Super-G following his triumph at the recent world championships. With competitors like Jakob Schiebel and Loic Meillard also vying for top positions, it is shaping up to be another decisive chapter of the World Cup season.

Fans across Europe and beyond can tune in to watch live broadcasts on Rai2 and Eurosport, providing extensive coverage and insights during the thrilling competitions. With the women’s slalom commencing at 9:30 AM and the Super-G heats kicking off soon after, ski lovers will find ample opportunities to engage with the exhilarating world of Alpine skiing live from the slopes.

This event not only highlights athletes’ competitive spirit but also stands as a key moment for many as they shuffle the leaderboards of their respective categories. All eyes will be on Shiffrin, Ljutic, and the many other skilled contenders as they race down the slopes, battling for glory amid the reluctant conditions. There's no telling who might emerge victorious, but one thing is certain: this day promises drama, excitement, and unforgettable moments on snow-covered slopes.