Bassino shines on home snow in giant slalom

Nothing like a little homefield advantage. Marta Bassino (ITA) used a late charge in her second run to take the victory in the Audi FIS World Cup women’s giant slalom at Sestriere.

It was a thrilling showing as she took and lost the lead multiple times as she navigated the icy conditions of the course on her second run. The Italian nailed the final sector to claim her first World Cup victory on home soil.

“It was a fight because the slope was really tough, so I feel incredible,” said Bassino.

Bassino, who now leads the giant slalom standings, held second place after the first run and finished with a combined time of 2:28.89, just 0.11 seconds ahead of Sara Hector (SWE).

Bassino claimed her sixth career World Cup victory in giant slalom, but this one seemed to mean the most to the 26-year-old.

“I am really emotional. Arriving at the line with the green light in front of the Italians (fans) was really incredible. I know it was hard because the slope was really tough. It was a fight more than a good feeling on my skis but to win here at home is amazing,” said Bassino.

Bassino took second in the first giant slalom race of the season at Killington and will be a force moving forward in the season.

Hector also figures to factor in the challenge for the giant slalom crown this season. The Swede skier took third in the first giant slalom race of the season and was the fastest time in the second run in Sestriere.

“I am really, really happy to make another podium in the second race. I think it was a tough race, but I really tried to push and it was good,” said Hector.

Hector needed a strong ski in her second run as she was sixth in the standings after a shaky first go down the course.

“I was a bit nervous in the first run. I feel like I have really good skiing but sometimes when I am feeling that it is tough to go out and push. So, I pushed a little less in the first round so in the second round I thought I would just go for it and push and it worked out very well,” said Hector.

It is the 12th career World Cup podium for Hector, all in her favourite discipline of giant slalom.

The slalom legend Petra Vlhova (SVK) led the field after the first run but could not put together a solid second to claim another trophy to add to her crowded case.

“For me I was a bit in trouble with my skiing, so I was just fighting in the second run,” said Vlahova.

Vlhova settled for third place, 0.40 seconds off Bassino’s lead pace. The conditions were not easy for the defending slalom champion.

“Today was challenging. It was a tough day and really tough conditions, but I am happy with third place,” said Vlahova.

It is the 60th career World Cup podium for the decorated Vlhova.

Big names littered the standings behind the podium.

Frederica Brignone (ITA) brought the heat with the second-fastest time in the second run as she finished fourth in her home country.

Reigning giant slalom world champion Tessa Worley (FRA) came across fifth.

Mikaela Shiffrin (USA) was fourth after the first run but could not find clean snow in her second run as she ended up finishing sixth. The American star still leads the overall standings and will look to add to her lead in the slalom at Sestriere on Sunday.

Lara Gut-Behrami (SUI) won the first giant slalom of the season in Killington but could not repeat her performance as she finished seventh.

The racers will take the hill again on Sunday this time in the slalom where the same names should be gunning for the top of the podium.