In a gripping display of speed and precision on the iconic Di Prampero course, Italy’s Nicol Delago surged to the top of the leaderboard after the first 30 athletes in the women’s downhill at the Audi FIS Ski World Cup in Tarvisio, Italy, on January 17, 2026.
The home favorite thrilled the local crowd with a blistering run, holding off strong challenges from Germany’s Kira Weidle in second and the legendary Lindsey Vonn of the United States in third. This intermediate top three sets the stage for an intense battle as the remaining skiers, including other top contenders, prepare to push the limits on one of Europe’s most demanding speed courses.
Delago’s performance comes at a pivotal moment in the 2025/26 season, with the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics just weeks away. The Italian, known for her aggressive line choices and technical prowess, capitalized on perfect conditions and intimate knowledge of the nearly 4 km track — the longest on the women’s World Cup circuit — to post a time that left competitors scrambling.
Kira Weidle, a consistent podium threat this season, sits in close pursuit, showcasing her trademark power and stability. Meanwhile, Lindsey Vonn, the 41-year-old American icon continuing her remarkable comeback, proved once again why she’s the downhill GOAT, delivering a solid run that keeps her firmly in the mix for what could be another historic result.
The Tarvisio event marks the return of women’s speed racing to the Julian Alps after a 15-year hiatus, adding extra excitement to this fifth downhill of the season. With high stakes for Olympic qualification and discipline standings — where Vonn has dominated early — the final skiers will have to bring their absolute best to displace this provisional podium.
Fans can expect fireworks as the race unfolds, with the Di Prampero’s dramatic vertical drop and high-speed sections testing every athlete to the limit. Stay tuned for the complete results as the full field completes their runs!
