Vlhova wins home giant slalom in Jasna

Petra Vlhova had perhaps her sweetest victory of the season, winning today’s Audi FIS World Cup giant slalom on home snow in Jasna (SVK) and closing the gap in the Overall World Cup standings to a mere 36 points in the process.

Vlhova was clearly emotional after the critical victory as she laid in the snow in disbelief after she secured the win. She sat in second place after the first run, 0.16 seconds behind American Mikaela Shiffrin.

After Vlhova came down in the green in the second run, she only had to wait for Shiffrin’s results. The American was fast on the top, but los valuable time in the middle portion of the course and ultimately finished in third place 0.37 seconds behind. New Zealand’s Alice Robinson improved five places from the first run to grab second place 0.16 seconds off the pace.

Also having reason to celebrate today was Marta Bassino, who officially wrapped up the giant slalom discipline globe with 510 points. With only one giant slalom remaining in the season, Tessa Worley cannot catch the Italian with her 362 points.

Vlhova is in a head-to-head race against Swiss speed star Lara Gut-Behrami for the Overall title. Gut-Behrami had a surprisingly low finish today, ending in ninth place and opening the door for Vlhova. Also in Vlhova’s favor is next weekend’s line-up with two slaloms, her strongest discipline, in Are (SWE).

Nevertheless, Gut-Behrami will be ready to make up any lost ground with home snow advantage at the Season Finals in Lenzerheide. She will be fighting for the downhill globe in addition to the Overall, while Vlhova will be a in a battle for the slalom globe and the Overall.