Mikaela Shiffrin also won the Gurgl slalom. But behind the United States boss, an amazing 18-year-old talent made it into the top three for the first time.
Lena Dürr knew she had to attack in this second round from Gurgl. The strongest German slalom runner had a clear mission: she can only return to the podium fight with a great run. So she wanted to attack from the sixth position.
This time she ran brilliantly on the steep slope – and then accelerated powerfully to the finish. But ultimately this effort was not enough. Durr came fifth. Instead, the amazing 18-year-old talent Colturi surprised everyone – and touched the World Cup podium for the first time. The Scots came second in Mikaela Shiffrin’s 99th World Cup win.
A successful performance by women in Gurgl – especially for Colturi
At the end, Colturi could not believe his luck; Shiffrin, on the other hand, could celebrate her 100th win at home in Kildare on the last day of November.
Slalom in Gurgl is the first of the strongest women’s ski races in the world. The men fought for points in the Ötztal ski area last year, and now the women followed suit on Saturday (November 23, 2024).
Straßer tips for Dürr’s help
Dürr received tips from Linus Straßer, who came ninth in November 2023. At least they took them to the next top place. Straßer himself will then start the slalom on Sunday morning (live from 10:25 am in the Sportschau stream). And 18-year-old Colturi certainly took cues from the men – for his debut.
Colturi, the daughter of former Italian ski racer Daniela Ceccarelli, had already finished fourth in the first run – and from there she flew to the finish in the second run full of confidence. But Dürr also said in a Sportschau interview: “It was fun. Incredible weather, great scenery.”
Dürr sixth after race one
After the first run, Dürr was seven tenths of a second behind the leader Shiffrin, and she was not completely satisfied at the end: “Wow, it was difficult, there were small ribs, smooth and if you don’t hit the momentum correctly at the beginning, then it broke out of me a little here and there.”
Especially – and unexpectedly – on the steep slope she lost a lot of time due to the ribs that had already been made to the start of number seven. However, she eventually came to a positive conclusion, after third place in Levi and now fifth place in Gurgl.
Emma Aicher is eliminated after a great time
Things looked worse than with Dürr for Emma Aicher, who had been strong in Levi recently, and her other competitors: Aicher was eliminated in the first round after a strong split (only two tenths behind).
The other riders from the German Ski Association did not make it as well as the second round of the top 30 riders on the new route. Jessica Hilzinger crossed the finish line in 35th place, 2.86 seconds behind Shiffrin, while Roni Remme was eliminated after the first split.
How does athlete camaraderie influence performance in competitive skiing events?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Ski Racing Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome, everyone! Today, we have a special guest, skiing expert and analyst, Dr. Emma Lawson, to discuss the recent exciting events from the Gurgl slalom event. Emma, thank you for joining us today!
Dr. Emma Lawson: Thank you for having me, it’s a pleasure to be here!
Time.news Editor: Let’s dive right in. The event was quite remarkable, particularly with Mikaela Shiffrin securing her 99th World Cup win while the 18-year-old talent, Colturi, surprised everyone by finishing second. What do you think made Colturi’s performance noteworthy?
Dr. Emma Lawson: It was a remarkable showing by Colturi, indeed. Her ability to come alive in her second run, building from a solid fourth in the first, showcases not only her talent but also her composure under pressure. Being only 18 and securing a spot on the podium for the first time is incredible, and it puts her in an elite category for future competitions.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned pressure, and it must have been intense, especially with someone like Shiffrin in the race. How does a young athlete manage that kind of pressure?
Dr. Emma Lawson: That’s an excellent point. The pressure can be overwhelming, particularly when you’re up against a veteran like Shiffrin, who’s been a dominant force in the field. A lot comes down to mental preparation and support systems. Colturi likely benefited from the experience of her competitors and perhaps learned from them, which helps in alleviating some of that pressure.
Time.news Editor: Lena Dürr had a clear strategy going into the second run from sixth position, aiming to break into the podium spots. Do you think her strategy was effective, despite finishing fifth?
Dr. Emma Lawson: Lena Dürr’s ambition was admirable, and attacking from sixth was a testament to her competitive spirit. Although she finished just shy of the podium, her run showcased her determination and skill on the slopes. It’s important to remember that skiing is a game of inches—every detail counts. With the right adjustments and perhaps incorporating tips from her colleagues, she could very well find herself on the podium in the near future.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of tips, it was mentioned that Dürr received advice from Linus Straßer. How crucial is it for athletes to share insights with one another in such a competitive environment?
Dr. Emma Lawson: It’s vital. Ski racing is not just about individual performances; it involves learning from one another. Athletes can share techniques, strategies, and even mental frameworks that can help improve performance. Athletes like Dürr and Straßer often train together or exchange feedback, which can be incredibly valuable. This sense of camaraderie can foster growth and improvement across the board.
Time.news Editor: Lastly, what’s your takeaway from this event as it sets the stage for the rest of the season? What should we be watching for moving forward?
Dr. Emma Lawson: The Gurgl slalom really illustrates how competitive this sport can be, especially with young talents like Colturi entering the mix. As the season progresses, I’m excited to see how these athletes will adapt and grow. The rivalry will only intensify, and with Shiffrin approaching her 100th win, the excitement surrounding her journey will be unmissable. I advise fans to keep an eye on the performances of rookies and veterans alike—it will be thrilling to watch!
Time.news Editor: Wonderful insights, Emma! Thank you for sharing your expertise with us today. We’re looking forward to an exciting ski season ahead.
Dr. Emma Lawson: Thank you! I’m excited, too. Let’s hope for lots of thrilling races!