In a thrilling display of skill and determination, Alice Robinson (NZL/Salomon) emerged victorious in the face of challenging terrain and adverse weather conditions at the Canadian resort of Tremblant. This win marks a significant milestone in her career, as she becomes the first to achieve consecutive World Cup race victories.
Despite the blizzard that engulfed the resort on Saturday, Robinson's talent shone through. The New Zealand star, known for excelling on steeper and quicker courses, adapted to the unique challenges posed by Tremblant's Giant Slalom race. In a week that celebrated her 24th birthday, Robinson drew upon her experience as a seasoned veteran to overcome a course that seemed to work against her natural strengths.
"That race was a true test of my abilities," Robinson reflected. "I thrive on courses like Copper Mountain, where I won last week. But here in Tremblant, I had to adapt and find a new gear."
Skiing in soft snow and heavy snowfall during the first run, and then through dense fog in both runs, Robinson's composure and tactical brilliance were on full display. Despite her previous struggles with the Flying Mile slope, she posted the fastest first run and the third-fastest second run, showcasing her ability to adapt and excel in diverse conditions.
"It's a flat hill, but it's not easy. It demands tactical intelligence and a keen understanding of the terrain," she explained. "We've been working hard on my terrain awareness this summer, and it's incredible to see the payoff."
But it wasn't just the terrain that posed a challenge. The blizzard-like conditions caught many of the world's top skiers off guard. Olympic Giant Slalom champion Sara Hector (SWE/Head) and World Cup Giant Slalom leader Julia Scheib (AUT/Rossignol) both made early exits, while other top seeds struggled to adapt to the conditions.
Those who kept their first run simple and risk-free were rewarded, but the mountain proved unforgiving for many. Thea Louise Stjernesund (NOR/Rossignol), who finished in provisional third place, later dropped to fourth after skiing out early in her second run.
By the time the second run commenced at 2 pm local time, the snowfall had ceased, but thick fog lingered at the top of the course. Robinson, however, remained focused and in control, skiing with precision and speed.
"The second run was faster, I think the snow got colder and froze, which increased the tempo," she analyzed.
Home favorite Valerie Grenier (CAN/Rossignol) thrived in the improved conditions, skiing a brilliant lower half to take the lead from Camille Rast (SUI/Head). Grenier, who started the second run in fifth position, moved up to third after Stjernesund's early exit and Mikaela Shiffrin's (USA/Atomic) struggle on the lower section.
"To achieve my first podium at home after battling injuries is a dream come true," Grenier exclaimed. "I'm overjoyed and speechless."
Zrinka Ljutic (CRO/Atomic), who finished second, also returned to top form despite the challenging conditions. The 21-year-old showed remarkable wisdom, skiing smartly in the first run and posting a time only surpassed by Robinson.
As the penultimate skier in the second run, Ljutic led Grenier by nearly a second at the halfway stage, but the Canadian's speed on the lower half proved decisive. Ljutic's time, however, was no match for Robinson's, who led from the start and maintained her advantage throughout the run.
"I'm thrilled to have held on to my lead from the first run and built upon it," Robinson said. "It's an incredible feeling to be among the most accomplished Giant Slalom skiers on the tour."
With the absence of the last two discipline globe winners, Federica Brignone (ITA/Rossignol) and Lara Gut-Behrami (SUI/Head), and Shiffrin still regaining her GS form, Robinson has seized the opportunity. From sporadic wins as a teenager to consistent podiums last year, she has elevated her game even further this season.
Having achieved consecutive World Cup race victories for the first time, Robinson has solidified her status as a favorite not only for the Giant Slalom globe but also for Olympic gold in Cortina in two months. But before that, she has the immediate challenge of Sunday's second GS in Tremblant, beginning at 10 am local time / 4 pm CET.
Click here (https://www.fis-ski.com/DB/general/results.html?sectorcode=AL&raceid=127343) for the full results from Saturday's race.
And here's a question for our readers: With Robinson's impressive form, do you think she has what it takes to claim Olympic gold? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
