:no_upscale())
Alpine ski racer Alice Robinson has finished eighth in the Super-G at Milano Cortina, delivering a solid opening performance at the Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre in Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Competing at her third Olympic Winter Games, the 24-year-old arrived in Italy in excellent form, with two recent World Cup podiums putting her firmly in the medal conversation.
The Super-Giant Slalom (Super-G) combines the high speeds of Downhill with the technical precision of Giant Slalom, and racers need to demonstrate incredible control while reaching speeds of up to 100km/h. The 2105m Olympia delle Tofane course — one of the most iconic and demanding tracks on the World Cup circuit — provided a stern test for the Olympic medal contenders.
Fog, followed by softening snow conditions added to the challenge, and the steep, rolling terrain proved unforgiving — 17 of the 43 starters failed to finish, including current World Cup Super-G leader and local favourite Sofia Goggia (ITA).
It was another Italian star, 2022 Olympic silver medallist Federica Brignone, who laid down the benchmark. Starting from bib six, Brignone clocked 1:23.41 to take the early lead and set the time Robinson would chase.
Starting in bib 14, Robinson opened strongly, skiing with power and control through the top section before a slight line error cost her valuable time. She crossed the line 1.03 seconds behind Brignone, securing eighth place in a discipline where podium positions are decided by hundredths of a second.
“It was really challenging,” admitted Robinson. “It was an awesome course set, it was technical and had really good turns in it. In inspection it looked amazing but I think the snow changed quite a lot from the inspection to the race and got a lot softer and it was really hard to create energy and to push. You had to be really smooth the whole way. I think people who were charging and trying to push the line too much, it just wasn’t working. So, it was definitely a really challenging day for a lot of people.”
“On that hill with that type of course set, if you’d told me a year ago that she was going to be eighth, I would have been over the moon,” said Robinson’s coach Tim Cafe. “The expectations were up from her success in Super-G this year, but now we’re looking forward to (the Giant Slalom on) Sunday. I think we’re going to have cold weather, good clear conditions. Anything is possible.”
Robinson was quick to congratulate Brigone, who has made a stunning injury comeback, on her win.
“She’s amazing,” said Robinson. “I remember watching her run here last year and thinking if she pulls that off at the Olympics, it’s going to be good. To come through what she's done and pull this off today is pretty incredible, so I’m really happy for her.”
Robinson now turns her focus to the Giant Slalom and says the Italian will once again be one to beat. “I think she’s going to be pretty hot there too,” said Robinson. “I’m going to have to be pulling all my best tricks out to be in the mix there.”
Women’s Super-G medals:
Gold: Federica Brigone (ITA)
Silver: Romane Miradoli (FRA)
Bronze: Cornelia Huetter (AUT)