Goggia Sensational In Val D Isere
The challenge has officially begun and with only two downhill races behind us, we already have two speed queens who have scored the same World Cup points in two days, 180 each and they are wearing the same red bib.
The second downhill race in Val D'Isere was won by Olympic champion Sofia Goggia (ITA), who performed a precise, correct race without any sensational risks, but it was absolutely sufficient to take her to victory. Sofia returns to the top step of the podium after Crans Montana 2019. Today was not only a special day because of the second podium, but also because it was the birthday of her mother, who is watching her from the other side of the Ocean
Corinne Suter (SUI) had to settle for second place this time, 0,24 behind the Italian champion. Both queens skied well without making any mistakes on a slope that was less risky than yesterday's as the part of the slope that created problems for the athletes was fixed.
The American Breezy Johnson is absolutely on fire, a small mistake in the final part made her lose precious speed to gain a few more positions but the two podiums of these two days show how the American is in fantastic shape and can become a threat to Sofia and Corinne.
t was a bumpy ride for the women on the dark track, but Breezy was able to power through it, using all the strength she worked so hard for in the gym this summer. She flew into the finish .27 seconds off of Sofia and only .03 seconds behind Corinne, showing that she’s gunning for those higher spots on the podium.
“I just want to see what I can do,” said Breezy, whose two third place finishes in Val d'Isere are her first two World Cup podiums. “I want to go in and ski my best. After injury, I’m just trying to seize every moment and seize every day, so maybe I’ll put a threat in there with Goggia and Corinne!”
Breezy has been plagued by knee injuries throughout her career, causing her to miss the 2018-19 season and some of the 2019-20 season, but she hasn’t let those obstacles keep her from her ambitions.
“These podiums have been coming on for a while,” said Breezy. “I definitely have a goal to win a World Cup and go for a World Championship medal this year and I think this is the just the beginning. We just keep working. My goal every day is to ski my best and if it’s the best it’s pretty freaking sweet. I want to see how far I can push myself.”
It was a solid day for the rest for the Land Rover U.S. Alpine Ski Team women, stacking three in the top 20. Attacking from bib 44 and in only her fourth downhill World Cup start, Keely Cashman was well on her way to a top-10 result, but skied up on to the net Bode Miller-style and lost time. However, even with that exciting recovery, she still finished 16th, a personal best for the 21-year-old. Just behind Keely was Jackie Wiles, who finished in 17th place. Isabella Wright did not finish, but is OK and skied down.
