Alpine skiing enthusiasts are gearing up for thrilling competition as the 2025 Sestriere Giant Slalom and Crans Montana Downhill races are set to take place on February 22nd. These events highlight some of the best talents the sport has to offer, with Federica Brignone once again leading the charge for Italy after her impressive performance at the World Championships.
Fresh off her recent triumph where she clinched her 33rd victory on the World Cup circuit, Brignone aims to cement her dominance as she competes against top rival Alice Robinson from New Zealand. This newly established rivalry has captivated fans, especially after both athletes showcased exceptional performances during the previous competitions.
Brignone, who has been battling illness leading up to the event, proved her mettle by finishing strong at her last outing, emphasizing her focus on the prestigious Crystal Globe. Her victory at the previous Giant Slalom has solidified her lead with 899 points, putting her well ahead of Swiss competitor Lara Gut-Behrami, who faced difficulties after exiting the race.
Today's events place the spotlight on two distinct venues: the female Giant Slalom at Sestriere, Italy, starting at 11 AM for the first run and 2 PM for the second, and the men's downhill at Crans Montana, Switzerland—kicking off at 10 AM. Both competitions will be broadcast live, ensuring fans won’t miss any of the action.
Conditions at Sestriere are expected to be mostly cloudy with temperatures ranging from -1°C to +3°C, which could influence performance and aid some athletes who thrive under cooler weather conditions. Brignone will start her run with bib number 5, caught between fierce competitors like Sara Hector and Lara Gut-Behrami.
The men's downhill race at Crans Montana poses its own unique challenges. Competitors will navigate the newly revamped National track, which was modified recently to accommodate the upcoming World Championships set for 2027. Despite not being the fastest trail, the track presents various hurdles and sharp turns, testing the limits of each athlete.
Among those to watch today are Italian stars Dominik Paris and Mattia Casse, both of whom are eager to leverage their skills against foreign adversaries. Paris has shown promise by clocking the highest time during the second trial run and is anticipated to be among the frontrunners today.
Viewers can catch all the thrills live on Rai2 and Eurosport 1, with additional streaming available on RaiPlay for local audiences. For international followers, services such as Discovery+ are available for those who subscribe.
During these exhilarating two events, viewers will witness not only the fierce competition among elite athletes but also the spirit of alpine skiing as they strive for glory. With everything at stake, both races promise to be not just contests of speed and skill but also psychological battles among seasoned competitors.
Fans have significant expectations as they see Brignone's pursuit of excellence against Robinson and the determined Swiss team led by Gut-Behrami. Will Federica Brignone continue her winning streak, or will Alice Robinson prove to be the spoiler? Time will tell as the races unroll today.
The excitement around these events continues to demonstrate the allure of alpine skiing. It showcases remarkable athletes running down mountains with breathtaking speed, skill, and precision, which keeps fans enthused throughout the season. Both the Sestriere Giant Slalom and Crans Montana Downhill signify key moments not just in the season but also within the storied legacies of these athletes.