Slalom globe for Liensberger, Overall Globe to Vlhova
Mar 20, 2021·Alpine Skiing
Katharina Liensberger earned the victory and the slalom discipline globe today at the Audi FIS World Cup Season Finals in Lenzerheide. Meanwhile, Petra Vlhova clinched the Overall Globe with her sixth-place finish.
Since the World Championships in Cortina, the Austrian has been on a roll and used her late-season momentum to power through to today's victory and her first career globe. Heading into today, it was a three-woman race for the slalom bragging rights between Liensberger, Mikaela Shiffrin and Petra Vlhova.
"That I can say I was good enough to win the slalom globe, that is fantastic,” said an overjoyed Liensberger after the race. “I don’t think I can ask for anything more, or that it can get any better.”
Shiffrin took second place in the race, but was far behind Liensberger, who dominated the field, topping the American by 1.24 seconds. Third place went to Switzerland’s Michelle Gisin, 1.95 seconds behind.
Meanwhile, Vlhova, who led the slalom standings heading into the day, faltered in the first run and ultimately had to settle for sixth place on the day. But there was a silver, or crystal, lining for the Slovakian, who thanks to her top-ten finish today secured the Overall Title. It is the first Big Globe for Vlhova, who goes into tomorrow’s last race of the season with a 136-point lead over Lara Gut-Behrami.
“This season for me was really difficult, I did a lot of races and it was very long,” said Vlhova. “But now I can say ‘I did it’. Coming from Slovakia, I don’t have a big team, we’re not a big ski nation, so to bring the Globe home means a lot to me and my country. I think I need time to realize everything, but I look forward to brining the Globe home and celebrating with my friends and family.”
Vlhova’s clinching of the Big Globe today, means that all Alpine World Cup globes have been decided heading into tomorrow’s last races. Marta Bassino has already claimed the giant slalom globe, while on the men’s side, Alexis Pinturualt wrapped up the Big Globe today and Marco Schwarz earlier clinched the small men’s slalom globe.
Nevertheless, the entire World Cup is looking forward to one last chance to push out of the start gates tomorrow with two last races to close the very unique 2020-21 Audi FIS World Cup season.
