In a blistering display of precision and power on the icy slopes of Copper Mountain, New Zealand’s Alice Robinson has seized the spotlight, storming to the lead after the opening run of the FIS Alpine World Cup giant slalom on Saturday.
Robinson, the 23-year-old sensation from Wanaka, clocked an impeccable time that left her rivals scrambling to catch up. Her flawless line down the 62-gate course – a technical beast packed with sweeping turns and late-season snow challenges – showcased the Kiwi’s growing dominance on the big stage. Coming off a breakthrough season that included her first World Cup GS podium last winter, Robinson looked every bit the contender, carving through the gates with the confidence of a veteran.
Hot on her heels? Sweden’s Sara Hector, the reigning GS globe winner, who sits just +0.29 seconds adrift in second. Hector, 29, delivered a smooth, error-free run that highlighted her tactical mastery, but a minor check in the middle section cost her those precious hundredths. Still, the Swede’s experience makes her a formidable threat in Run 2 – she’s won three GS races this year alone and thrives under pressure.
Rounding out the podium chase is Austria’s Julia Scheib at +0.60 back in third. The 25-year-old from Salzburg fought tooth and nail in a tight battle for the top spots, her aggressive style paying off in the flatter sections but leaving a touch of speed on the table in the steeps. Scheib, a rising star with two podiums to her name already this fall, called the course “tricky but fair” post-run, hinting at her intent to shave time in the afternoon.
The morning’s action was a nail-biter from the word go, with early starters testing the softening snow and mid-pack skiers pushing the limits on a piste that rewarded bravery over caution. American hopes flickered brightly with Mikaela Shiffrin sitting fourth at +0.72 – a solid but not spectacular effort after her recent training tweaks. “It’s coming together,” Shiffrin said with a grin, towel-drying her hair in the finish corral. “Alice set a high bar, but that’s what makes this fun.”
Further down, Italy’s Federica Brignone lurks at +0.85 in fifth, her veteran savvy keeping her in the mix, while Switzerland’s Lara Gut-Behrami – a perennial title threat – posted +1.02 for eighth, admitting to a “silly mistake” at gate 42.
Mother Nature cooperated with crisp, sunny conditions under a brilliant Colorado blue sky, temperatures hovering around freezing to keep the course firm and fast. But whispers among the pit crews suggest a potential warm-up could spice up Run 2, favoring those who can adapt on the fly.
All eyes now turn to the second run, set to kick off at 21:30 CET (13:30 local time). With just six-tenths separating the top three, this could be one for the highlight reels – a battle of youth, grit, and glory that embodies the raw thrill of alpine racing.
Can Robinson hold her nerve and claim her first GS win of the season? Or will Hector’s cool head – or Scheib’s fire – flip the script? Tune in; the mountain doesn’t give up secrets easily.
