In a stunning display of speed and precision on the iconic Di Prampero course, Italy’s Nicol Delago claimed her maiden FIS Alpine World Cup victory in the women’s downhill at Tarvisio on January 17, 2026. The 30-year-old from Val Gardena timed her run to perfection, clocking 1:46.28 to edge out strong competition in a race shrouded in thick fog and charged with Olympic anticipation—just weeks before the Milan-Cortina 2026 Games.
Delago, starting with bib number three, delivered a flawless performance that left her competitors chasing. She held off Germany’s Kira Weidle-Winkelmann, who secured second place just 0.20 seconds behind, showcasing her gliding prowess on the fast, gliding-friendly piste. The returning legend Lindsey Vonn of the United States rounded out the podium in third, 0.26 seconds off the pace, marking her fifth podium finish in five downhills this season at age 41—an incredible testament to her enduring dominance and comeback spirit.
The historic return of World Cup racing to Tarvisio after a 15-year absence added extra drama. Vonn, a past master of the slope with multiple top finishes here back in 2009 and 2011, was one of the few in the field with prior experience on the course. Despite challenging visibility and a slight error that cost her precious speed, the American icon still powered to the podium, delighting fans and proving she’s a force heading into the Olympics.
For Delago, the win marks her sixth career World Cup podium and first since a third place in Saalbach nearly two years ago. She celebrated emotionally at the finish, hugging her sister Nadia (who finished 10th), as the Italian team continues its strong momentum on home snow.
The foggy conditions tested everyone, but the top three rose above, delivering a thrilling spectacle on this rare World Cup stage. With a Super-G still to come on Sunday and the Olympic downhill in Cortina fast approaching on February 8, the speed season is heating up—proving that in alpine skiing, legends are made in moments like these.
What a podium indeed! 🇮🇹🇩🇪🇺🇸
