The last women’s Alpine race before the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics wrapped up in style on Saturday, January 31, with a hometown hero stealing the show and a breakthrough American podium adding extra spark.
Switzerland’s Malorie Blanc stunned the field to claim her maiden World Cup victory on the Mont Lachaux course in Crans-Montana, clocking a masterful 1:17.34 to edge out pre-race favorite Sofia Goggia (ITA) by just 0.18 seconds. The 22-year-old local from nearby Ayent delivered a clean, aggressive run that ignited the home crowd, providing a much-needed moment of joy for the community still mourning a tragic New Year’s bar fire that claimed 40 lives.
Goggia, the Italian speed star and current super-G points leader, settled for silver after a strong effort, while Breezy Johnson (USA) charged to third (+0.36) for her first-ever World Cup podium in super-G — a huge milestone for the Stifel U.S. Ski Team athlete, especially with teammate Lindsey Vonn sidelined by injury from Friday’s crash.
The race served as the ultimate Olympic preview in the speed disciplines, with athletes fine-tuning lines and confidence ahead of the Games starting next week. Here’s the full Top 10 from the Crans-Montana super-G:
Malorie Blanc (SUI) – 1:17.34
Sofia Goggia (ITA) +0.18
Breezy Johnson (USA) +0.36
Roberta Melesi (ITA) +0.42
Kira Weidle-Winkelmann (GER) +0.44
Alice Robinson (NZL) +0.51
Ariane Raedler (AUT) +0.61
Cornelia Huetter (AUT) +0.64
Mirjam Puchner (AUT) +0.72
Ester Ledecka (CZE) +0.84
Blanc’s win — her second career World Cup podium after a downhill runner-up last season — marks her as a rising force heading into the Olympics, where she’ll race downhill and super-G for Switzerland. Johnson’s result boosts U.S. momentum amid uncertainty over Vonn’s status following her left knee injury.
With the women’s Olympic downhill set for February 8 in Cortina d’Ampezzo, super-G on February 12, and team combined on February 10, this final World Cup stop showcased depth, resilience, and plenty of medal contenders ready to shine on the biggest stage. The stage is set for an epic Olympic speed showdown! 🇨🇭🇮🇹🇺🇸 #FISAlpine #WorldCupCransMontana
