Roaring Vlhova back on top

An impassioned Petra Vlhova fought her way to victory in the famous Flachau night slalom on Tuesday – the Slovakian’s first Audi FIS World Cup win of the season – and in so doing, she narrowly prevented long-time rival Mikaela Shiffrin from claiming her latest slice of history.

Ahead of Shiffrin by just 0.17 seconds after run one, the often-reserved Slovakian held her nerve under the Austrian lights and promptly let out a huge roar in front of the packed galleries.

“It was a long, long wait to come back here,” Vlhova said from the winner’s enclosure, after finishing in a combined time of 1:51.95, just 0.43 seconds ahead of Shiffrin.

“It was important for me and I am super happy I did it here. I felt good today. I am proud I could ski well both runs.”

Germany’s Lena Duerr took third but this was all about a duel that has often dominated women’s skiing in recent times.

Vlhova may be the reigning Olympic and World Cup slalom champion but she has had to endure a tricky start to this season. Not only did she arrive in Flachau having failed to register a victory in 14 World Cup starts, but she has also had to watch on while Shiffrin has been winning for fun.

But just two days after the American became the equal most successful female World Cup skier of all-time by securing her 82nd crown in Kranjska Gora, Vlhova proved what a champion she is.

Her first run down the course set by her coach was typically smooth but also noticeably more aggressive than in recent weeks. By contrast, Shiffrin, who had a hectic 48-hour lead-in crammed full of TV and media interviews, was a little more cautious.

However, after watching Duerr – who had a great first run until a major mistake just gates from home – charge through the field in her second, Shiffrin pushed as hard as ever to set the target for Vlhova.

It was not enough with the gutsy Vlhova producing all her renowned power to increase her lead and pick up her third win over Flachau’s famous rollers.

“I am proud I could beat Mikaela because this season she is really strong and if you want to beat her you need to ski above her and perfect, not good. I guess if you beat Mikaela it means you are really strong,” Vlhova said.

“Today before the second run I knew she was going to be really strong and I was like ‘OK I have to be stronger than her’ and when I crossed the finish line I was full of emotion. We were waiting so long. Of course we wanted to win earlier but it’s not so easy to win. Maybe this is the reason why I was full of emotions in the finish area.”

While they did not get to see the record-setting win they had perhaps expected, the huge crowds made their feelings clear as Vlhova finally stepped back to the top of the podium.

It was not quite to be for Shiffrin, but the woman with a world of expectation on her shoulders does have the consolation of a record in Flachau that now reads: 10 starts, four wins and five podium places.

“I earned a second place and she earned a victory tonight and that was quite a show,” Shiffrin said, dismissing talk of a slight sickness playing any role in her second-place finish.

Although the USA superstar, who came into the race with six wins in her previous seven starts, did cheerfully admit she hadn’t been able to quite find her best.

“It was a little bit difficult this evening to perform top-top but even then I felt some turns I love to feel. Actually when I am even not on my most top form I am still enjoying skiing, so that’s nice.”

Wendy Holdener took fourth place and maintained her second position in the race for the season’s slalom title – albeit a somewhat significant 135 points behind leader Shiffrin.

In a good night for the rising German team Jessica Hilzinger and teenager Emma Aicher joined Duerr in the top 10.

The women’s World Cup tour moves on to St Anton, Switzerland for a downhill and super-G double header, 14-15 January before Shiffrin is likely to resume her search for a magic 83rd World Cup win in Cortina D'Ampezzo, 18-22 January.