The Italian ski team celebrated a remarkable victory on Saturday as Nicol Delago won her first World Cup downhill event in Tarvisio, with American skier Lindsey Vonn finishing in third place. This race marked Vonn’s fifth podium finish in five downhills this season, showcasing her resilience and skill at the age of 41.
Delago secured her victory with a time that was just 0.20 seconds faster than Germany’s Kira Weidle-Winkelmann and 0.26 seconds ahead of Vonn. Delago expressed her joy and relief, stating, “It certainly hasn’t always been easy over the years, so today is huge.” She also acknowledged the inspiration she gained from watching her teammate Giovanni Franzoni, who had won his first super-G the day prior in Wengen, Switzerland.
As the Milan Cortina Winter Games approach, starting on February 6, 2024, both Delago and Vonn are preparing for the upcoming events, with the women’s downhill taking place in Cortina d’Ampezzo and the men’s in Bormio. Delago’s performance in Tarvisio was particularly impressive, especially since it was the first World Cup downhill event held there in 15 years.
Vonn, a veteran of the sport, was one of only two athletes who had previously competed in Tarvisio. In her past six races on this course, she recorded two wins and four second-place finishes. Reflecting on her return, Vonn remarked, “I don’t really remember the track, but I do remember that the atmosphere was amazing.”
Visibility issues due to fog presented challenges during the race, and Delago nearly lost control in a foggy section but managed to maintain her composure. She maintained her lead at every checkpoint, ultimately finishing with a triumphant smile and a kiss on her ski.
In the overall World Cup standings, Vonn increased her lead in the downhill category to 144 points over Germany’s Emma Aicher. With four World Cup downhill races remaining this season, Vonn also climbed to third place in the overall standings with 510 points, trailing only her American teammate Mikaela Shiffrin, who holds 923 points, and Camille Rast with 753 points.
The downhill event was marked by a combination of Vonn’s speed, as she recorded the fastest times at the top of the course, and Delago’s strategic racing. Vonn clocked a speed of 136.3 kph (84.7 mph) but veered slightly off course due to her high velocity.
The upcoming Olympic downhill is set for February 8, and anticipation continues to build as athletes prepare for the international stage. Following the downhill event, a super-G is scheduled for Tarvisio on Sunday, adding further excitement to this competitive weekend.
With the Winter Games on the horizon, both Vonn and Delago are solidifying their positions as formidable contenders in the world of alpine skiing. As the competition heats up, fans eagerly await the performances of these talented athletes.
