Defending downhill and overall World Cup champion Lara Gut-Behrami of Switzerland showcased her technical and tactical skills Thursday by posting the fastest time in the second downhill training run on the Birds of Prey course, finishing with a time of 1:31.87. Italy’s Sofia Goggia was .67 seconds back (1:32.54), with fellow Italian and Wednesday’s downhill training champion Federica Brignone in third, nearly a full second behind Gut-Behrami (1:32.84).
The Americans were led by Jacquline Wiles, who tied for ninth with Ester Ledecka, the Czech athlete who competes in both Alpine and snowboard events, and who stunned the world in 2018 by winning Olympic gold in the super G. Both finished 1.37 seconds off the pace at 1:33.24. Wiles was one of five Americans to finish in the top 30; the others were Breezy Johnson in 12th, Lauren Macuga 15th, Bella Wright in 18th, and Tricia Mangan in 24th.
Gut-Behrami is one of only three athletes in the current field to have raced previously on the Birds of Prey course, one of the most respected and challenging men’s venues on the World Cup circuit since 1997. In 2011, the women raced a super G at Beaver Creek when poor snow conditions forced a move of events scheduled for Val d’Isere, France. Lindsey Vonn, who is in the middle of a comeback attempt prior to the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics, won on that day. Ilke Stuhec, the third racer from 2011 still actively competing, was eighth on the day, 1:31 behind Gut-Behrami.
Vonn was again a forerunner on Thursday, but the 40-year-old indicated she would skip Friday’s scheduled third and final training run to spend more time training on her own. The highly decorated racer — she has three Olympic medals, eight World Championship medals and 82 World Cup wins to her credit — recently announced her attempt to rejoin the World Cup circuit.
After years of campaigning and negotiations to bring women’s racing to the venue, the women are getting to experience a course that has become a classic on the men’s side for its top-to-bottom speed and excitement. After watching video from Wednesday, U.S. athletes were focused on tightening up their lines to gain speed where possible.
“I am extremely excited,” said Lauren Macuga. “It was so fun. It’s intimidating, to be sure, but I’m so excited to be here. Finally, we’re on a full men’s track. We’re doing it.”
Friday’s third and final training session is set for 11 a.m. MST, barring any weather-related changes. Saturday’s downhill is set for 11a.m., followed by the super G on Sunday at the same time. All races are free to spectate. More information can be found at bcworldcup.com.
RESULTS
Women’s downhill training 2
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