Ledecka Misses the Mark as Favorite in First Super-G
Ledecká Finishes 16th in Beaver Creek Super-G
Beaver Creek, Colorado – Olympic champion Ester Ledecká finished 16th in the season-opening women’s super-G race at Beaver Creek, falling short of expectations after a strong start to the season.
Ledecká, who won the last World Cup super-G in Saalbach, struggled in the middle section of the Birds of Prey course. Italian Sofia Goggia, returning from a serious knee injury, dominated the race, winning by nearly half a second.
“I had a good start, but lost time in the middle section,” Ledecká said. “It’s a tough course, and I need to analyze my run to see where I can improve.”
Goggia’s victory marks her 25th World Cup win and comes on a course designed by her coach, Giovanni Feltrin. She finished ahead of Switzerland’s Lara Gut-Behrami and Austria’s Ariane Rädler.
Ledecká, who started the season with a snowboard victory in China and a strong showing in Saturday’s downhill race, will look to bounce back in the upcoming races.
The World Cup circuit moves to St. Moritz, Switzerland next weekend, where American legend Lindsey Vonn will make her return to competition at the age of 40. Vonn, who last raced at the elite level nearly six years ago, served as a forerunner in beaver Creek.
Beaver Creek super-G Results:
- Sofia Goggia (Italy) 1:03.90
- Lara Gut-Behrami (Switzerland) +0.48
- Ariane Rädler (Austria) +0.55
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- Ester Ledecká (Czech Republic) +1.54
World Cup Standings (after 7 of 35 races):
- Michelle Gisin (Switzerland) 287 points
- Mikaela Shiffrin (USA) 245 points
- Petra Vlhová (Slovakia) 202 points
…
- Ester Ledecká 55 points
- Gabriela Dubovská (Czech Republic) 9 points
Ledecká falters in Beaver Creek Super-G, Goggia Dominates Return
Beaver Creek, Colorado – Czech skiing sensation Ester Ledecká finished 16th in the season-opening women’s Super-G at Beaver Creek, failing to live up to the high expectations set by her recent successes. Ledecká, who clinched victory in the last World Cup Super-G in Saalbach, admitted to struggling in the middle section of the Birds of Prey course.
“I had a good start, but lost time in the middle section,” Ledecká said. “Its a tough course, and I need to analyze my run to see where I can improve.”
Italian Sofia Goggia, returning triumphantly from a serious knee injury, dominated the race, securing her 25th World Cup victory.Goggia’s victory was notably impressive considering the course was designed by her coach, Giovanni Feltrin. She finished nearly half a second ahead of Switzerland’s Lara Gut-Behrami, who claimed second place, with Austria’s Ariane Rädler rounding out the podium.
Despite her setback, Ledecká, who started the season with a snowboard victory in China and a strong showing in Saturday’s downhill, remains optimistic about her resilience.
The World Cup circuit now shifts to St. Moritz, Switzerland next weekend, where legendary American skier Lindsey Vonn will make her highly anticipated return to competition at the age of 40. Vonn, last seen at the elite level nearly six years ago, served as a forerunner in Beaver Creek, setting the stage for her comeback.