ALPINE SKI WORLD CUP. Åre, Sweden – Although the US ski team lost their leader when overall Wold Cup holder Lindsey Vonn made the decision to take a rest and go home for a couple of weeks, a new American star was born tonight under the  floodlights on the slalom piste of Åre.  Being second fastest in the opening run, the 17-year-old Mikaela Shiffrin put down a perfect second run to finally claim her first ever World Cup Victory. She edged out local favorite Frida Hansdotter who finished only 0.29 seconds adrift. Overall World Cup leader Tina Maze took 3rd position, like in the GS the night before.

“I felt like second position in the first run was better, going to the second run, because it took some pressure away. It felt more like something was pushing me forward rather than something pulling me towards the finish line", said Shiffrin .

“I have to thank my Mom who follows me everywhere. I'm probably going to hug her a lot. My Dad will join us for Christmas here in Europe. I’ll try to calm down et get focused again for Semmering", added the young American talent.

Mikaela Shiffrin leads now the World Cup slalom standings, after taking 3rd place in Levi a month ago and 9th place last Sunday in Courchevel. She has 22 points more than Maria Hoefl-Riesch.

Sweden’s Frida Hansdotter said she was happy with her performance even if she was so close to earn her first triumph on the World Cup Tour. "Of course, I was in the lead ahead of the second run, but at the same time, finishing in second position on home snow is fantastic."

With her third place, Slovenian Tina Maze has increased the gap with her nearest rival in the World Cup overall standings. She leads now with 919 points, 387 more than German Maria Hoefl-Riesch who took 11th place in today’s race.

"It was the last 100 points in the game before Christmas and I really had to stay focused. I didn’t get them all, but I’m really happy with this new podium. It is definitely time for me to rest now," said the Slovenian.

The Ladies’ Tour will stop in Austria after Christmas for two more exciting technical events.

In the meantime, the Fisalpine team wishes you all a Merry Christmas and happy holidays!

FISalpine.com
Thursday 20 December 2012

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