Val di Fassa, Italy – Elena Curtoni of Italy delivered a stunning performance in the women’s FIS Alpine Ski World Cup super-G on Sunday, March 8, 2026, securing her fourth World Cup victory and a triumphant return to the top of the podium after a challenging period. The win, her second in the super-G discipline, marks a significant milestone for the 35-year-old Italian skier, coming more than three years after her last World Cup triumph in a downhill race in St. Moritz in December 2022. This victory underscores Italy’s strong showing during the Olympic season, with compatriots Asja Zenere too claiming a spot on the podium.
Curtoni navigated the Val di Fassa course with precision and speed, finishing just 0.26 seconds ahead of Norway’s Kajsa Vickhoff Lie. The Italian team’s celebration was amplified by the remarkable performance of Asja Zenere, who secured her first-ever World Cup podium finish in third place, trailing Curtoni by 0.27 seconds. Zenere’s achievement is particularly noteworthy, as her previous best result was a ninth-place finish in the giant slalom at Copper Mountain in November.
A Triumphant Return for Curtoni
The super-G race in Val di Fassa was more than just a victory for Curtoni; it represented a powerful comeback. Having overcome a serious injury, her return to form has been closely watched by fans and fellow athletes alike. The course, which had been used for five consecutive days of competition, presented a challenge for all skiers, with a particularly tricky initial section. However, Curtoni excelled in the faster sections of the track, overtaking early leaders Romane Miradoli and Alice Robinson by a margin of 0.34 seconds.
The Italian success didn’t stop with Curtoni and Zenere. Laura Pirovano had previously secured two downhill victories, contributing to a wave of momentum for the Italian team. However, Sofia Goggia, currently leading the Super-G standings, faced a more difficult race, struggling with the course conditions and finishing in ninth place. Despite this, Goggia maintains a lead in the overall Super-G standings, though her advantage has been narrowed by Alice Robinson’s performance.
The Battle for the Super-G Crystal Globe
The race in Val di Fassa significantly impacted the standings for the Super-G Crystal Globe. While Sofia Goggia remains in the lead with 449 points, Alice Robinson of Modern Zealand is closing the gap, now trailing by just 63 points with 386 points. Emma Aicher, considered a favorite for the globe, unfortunately did not finish the race, effectively removing her from contention. Robinson’s fourth-place finish, alongside a shared fourth place with France’s Romane Miradoli, has put her in a strong position heading into the Alpine Ski World Cup Finals in Lillehammer.
According to calculations based on the current standings, Robinson could surpass Goggia in Lillehammer if she wins and Goggia finishes seventh or lower. Even a second-place finish for Robinson would put pressure on Goggia, requiring her to finish outside the top 14 to avoid losing the lead. The upcoming finals promise a thrilling showdown between these two skiers.
Shiffrin Leads Overall Standings
While the focus was on the Super-G race, the overall World Cup standings also saw movement. Mikaela Shiffrin of the United States, despite finishing 23rd in Val di Fassa, maintains her lead in the overall standings with 1141 points. The benefit of Aicher’s DNF allowed Shiffrin to score eight points. Emma Aicher remains second with 1016 points, 125 points behind Shiffrin, and Camille Rast is third with 963 points.
The unpredictable nature of the sport was highlighted by Aicher’s unexpected disqualification. She started strong but lost control on a turn, ultimately failing to complete the course. This not only dashed her hopes for the Super-G Crystal Globe but also impacted her position in the overall standings. Alpine Ski World Cup provides further details on the race results and standings.
Zenere’s Breakthrough Performance
Asja Zenere’s third-place finish was a standout moment of the race. The 29-year-old Italian skier achieved her first World Cup podium, a significant step forward in her career. Her previous best result was a ninth-place finish in the giant slalom at Copper Mountain in November, making this super-G result a remarkable improvement. Zenere’s performance has also secured her a spot in the World Cup Finals in Kvitfjell, Norway.
Zenere’s success is a testament to her dedication and hard perform. The 60 points she earned in Val di Fassa have nearly tenfold increased her point total for the season, demonstrating the impact of this breakthrough performance. Her ability to navigate the challenging course and secure a podium finish has undoubtedly boosted her confidence and solidified her position as a rising star in the world of alpine skiing.
The race also highlighted the challenges faced by experienced skiers like Sofia Goggia, who struggled with the deteriorating snow conditions. Goggia’s ninth-place finish, while not disastrous, has allowed Robinson to close the gap in the Super-G standings. The competition remains fierce, and the upcoming finals in Lillehammer will be crucial in determining the winners of both the Super-G Crystal Globe and the overall World Cup title.
The Val di Fassa super-G was a thrilling event, showcasing the skill and determination of the world’s top alpine skiers. Elena Curtoni’s victory, coupled with Asja Zenere’s breakthrough performance, has injected new energy into the Italian team and set the stage for an exciting conclusion to the World Cup season. The next event will be closely watched as skiers vie for valuable points and the coveted Crystal Globes.
The Alpine Ski World Cup Finals in Lillehammer, Norway, are scheduled to take place later this month, where the final standings will be determined. Fans can stay updated on the latest results and news through the official FIS Alpine Ski World Cup website. Olympics.com provides comprehensive coverage of the event and athlete profiles.
Key Takeaways:
- Elena Curtoni secured her fourth World Cup victory in the super-G race in Val di Fassa, Italy.
- Asja Zenere achieved her first World Cup podium finish, taking third place.
- Alice Robinson narrowed the gap to Sofia Goggia in the Super-G standings, setting up a thrilling finale in Lillehammer.
- Mikaela Shiffrin maintains her lead in the overall World Cup standings.
The competition in Lillehammer promises to be intense, with skiers battling for both the Super-G Crystal Globe and the overall World Cup title. Stay tuned for further updates and analysis as the season reaches its climax. We encourage you to share your thoughts on the race and the upcoming finals in the comments below.
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