Mikaela Shiffrin continued her blistering start to the 2025/26 FIS Alpine Ski World Cup season on Sunday (23 November), storming to a commanding victory in the women’s slalom and securing her 103rd career World Cup win.
The 30-year-old American, fresh off her triumph two weeks ago in Levi, Finland, produced another masterclass in Gurgl, posting the fastest time in both runs to finish in a combined 1:48.11 – a massive 1.23 seconds clear of the field.
Teenage sensation Lara Colturi of Albania took an impressive second place, earning her first World Cup podium, while Switzerland’s Camille Rast, the reigning slalom world champion, rounded out the top three.
Shiffrin was untouchable from the outset, attacking the demanding Gurgl course with trademark precision and speed. Even as the lead changed hands multiple times among the early starters, the three-time Olympic medalist remained unfazed, delivering a flawless second run under sunny skies that she described as a “really nice surprise” compared to the gloomy conditions of the previous year.
“It felt totally different from the first run – great conditions, and the sun made it really enjoyable,” Shiffrin said afterward. “I knew everyone was pushing hard, so there was no choice but to go all out.”
The victory extends Shiffrin’s lead in both the slalom and overall World Cup standings as she chases further history ahead of the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games.
Next weekend, the World Cup circuit heads to the United States, with Shiffrin set to compete on home snow in Copper Mountain, Colorado, in both slalom and giant slalom events.
With momentum firmly on her side, the American superstar shows no signs of slowing down in what is shaping up to be another record-breaking season.
