The Roc de Fer piste was host to the Women’s Giant Slalom, another thrilling race - as we approach the end of the World Championships, with only the individual technical races now in play.
Mikaela Shiffrin, in her first race since parting ways with her coach Mike Day, took gold in the only discipline which she had never been crowned World Champion in before.
Frederica Brignone of Italy was closest to the American, just 0.12 seconds off the pace over the two runs.
Norwegian racer Ragnhild Mowinckel took bronze, catching up from fifth position after the first run.
Defending Giant Slalom Champion, Lara Gut-Behrami finished fourth, just 0.09 seconds outside of the medals.
Crowned last week as Super G Champion, Marta Bassino was lying twelfth after the first run, a dissapointing leg for the Italian, but she put on a mighty fight in the second run – completing the race in a respectable fifth position.
Home-favourite Tessa Worley was Shiffrin’s closest rival after the first run, 0.12 seconds off the 27-year-old, but the racer wearing bib number one, crashed out in the softer and more rutted snow in the bottom half of the piste.
The French star had the chance to become the first ever woman to become a three-time Giant Slalom World Champion.
It wasn’t all plain sailing for the American however, who lost a chunk of time on the final under-gate on the second run almost killing off all of her advantage.
But in classic Shiffrin-style she held on incredibly well to stay in the course, and stayed composed, maximising the power, and taking an aggressive line through the close out.
Despite the error, Shiffrin held on to the green-light – when arriving at the finish area, she fell to the ground in relief, she thought it had got away from her.
The star is now becoming the most decorated ski racer of all time, and deservedly so.
“That’s unbelievable” said Shiffrin following the race, “I was so nervous, I just can’t believe it.”
Briton Alex Tilley returned from injury to race for the first time in 2023, the star from Aberdeenshire narrowly missed out on the top 30 for the second run, finishing 34th. Tilley crashed out on the second run.
With just the Men's Giant Slalom, and both slalom races left to go, the pressure is building on the Austrian team to win a gold-medal in this tournament.
It would be the first time since 1987 where the Austrians have completed a World Championships without taking a win.
Words Jack Feneley
Pictures Zoom Agence