The alpine skiing world cup season continues with the much-anticipated Semmering Women's Giant Slalom held on December 28, 2024. The event, hosted at the Panorama slope, marks the third giant slalom race of the season, and it promises to deliver thrilling competition among some of the sport's top female athletes.
The race is set to kick off with the first run at 10:00 AM, followed by the decisive second run scheduled for 1:00 PM. Fans can catch all the action live on Rai 2 and streaming platforms including Rai Play, Eurosport, and Discovery+.
This year's event sees Italian star Federica Brignone competing with bib number 6, joined by her teammate Marta Bassino, who will take the course with bib number 8. Other Italian participants include Roberta Melesi (29), Elisa Platino (30), Ilaria Ghisalberti (35), Lara Della Mea (36), and newcomer Giorgia Collomb (61). With the stakes high, all eyes will be on Brignone and Bassino as potential podium contenders.
Brignone, who is currently ranked second overall with 100 points, is eager to improve her standing, especially after achieving victory during the opening giant slalom of the season held at Soelden. Meanwhile, Bassino, who has struggled with form, aims to regain her confidence after only scoring 20 points so far this season.
Competing against them are several formidable opponents, including Swiss skier Lara Gut-Behrami and Swedish sensation Sara Hector, the latter of whom leads the giant slalom standings with 116 points. Also expected to perform competitively are athletes like Zrinka Ljutic, Camilla Rast, and Alice Robinson. The competition is guaranteed to be fierce as these elite athletes take to the slopes, each vying for points to boost their chances of winning the overall circuit.
The weather conditions for the day appear to be favorable, thanks to a strong high-pressure system dominating Central and Western Europe. The forecast indicates clear skies and mild temperatures ranging between -1°C to +9°C, with gentle winds and perfect visibility for the athletes.
Highlighting the day, Brignone will step onto the course as the only female athlete to have not secured a podium finish at Semmering. Historically, her best result was fourth place, but she remains optimistic about changing her fortune this time around. "This is my chance to prove myself on these slopes; I've been preparing for it," Brignone stated before the race.
Notably, the competition will be particularly significant for Bassino. Having finished on the podium twice during past giant slaloms at Semmering, her goal is to not only achieve her best result but also to rebuild her confidence moving forward.
Alongside the excitement of the race itself, the overall standings of the women’s world cup will be closely monitored. Currently, Brignone sits sixth overall with 219 points, trailing behind leaders Camille Rast (287 points) and Cornelia Huetter (250 points). The outcomes of the Semmering giant slalom will play a pivotal role as skiers look to secure their positions and maintain momentum as the season progresses.
With less than one hour until the start of the first run, fans are eagerly anticipating the spectacle. The atmosphere is charged with excitement and the stakes couldn't be higher for the athletes, who will be showcasing their skills on the international stage. The world of alpine skiing awaits the outcomes of today's thrilling Semmering Women's Giant Slalom.
