Val di Fassa, Italy – Laura Pirovano of Italy has cemented her status as a force in women’s downhill skiing, securing a second consecutive victory in the Coppa del Mondo downhill race held in Val di Fassa on Friday, March 6, 2026. The 28-year-old’s remarkable performance underscores a breakthrough moment in her career, coming after years of near misses and consistent top-ten finishes.
Pirovano finished the course with a time of 1’21”40, narrowly edging out Germany’s Emma Aicher by a mere hundredth of a second. American Breezy Johnson rounded out the podium, finishing 29 hundredths of a second behind Pirovano. The race, held on the La VolatA piste at Passo San Pellegrino, was a rescheduled event from Crans Montana and kicked off a weekend of racing that includes another downhill and a super-G.
This victory marks Pirovano’s first career World Cup win, a milestone achieved after 29 top-ten finishes, including eleven in the top five. The Italian skier demonstrated exceptional skill, particularly in the central and final sections of the course, overcoming a slight deficit from the initial launch. It’s a result that, as Pirovano herself noted, feels particularly sweet given past close calls in major championships.
The win is especially poignant considering the recent announcement by Federica Brignone that she has ended her season. Pirovano’s success provides a significant boost to the Italian team as they gaze ahead to the remainder of the World Cup schedule.
Pirovano’s consistency this season has been remarkable. She’s not just contending for podium spots. she’s now leading the downhill standings in the Coppa del Mondo with only one race remaining. This puts her in a strong position to claim the overall downhill title, a feat that would further solidify her place among the elite in women’s alpine skiing.
The La VolatA piste proved to be a challenging but rewarding course for the athletes. The sunny and serene conditions allowed for optimal racing, and the competition was fierce. Aicher’s incredibly close finish demonstrates the high level of skill and precision on display.
Pirovano’s journey to the top hasn’t been without its challenges. She’s been a consistent performer for years, often finding herself just off the podium. This victory, and now a second consecutive win in Val di Fassa, represents a turning point in her career, a moment where she’s finally able to translate her potential into tangible success. The narrow margin of victory – just one hundredth of a second – underscores the incredibly competitive nature of World Cup downhill racing, where even the smallest adjustments can make the difference between triumph, and disappointment.
The next race on the schedule is another downhill competition in Val di Fassa, scheduled for Saturday, March 7, 2026. Pirovano will undoubtedly be looking to continue her winning streak and further solidify her lead in the downhill standings. Fans can follow the action live on Sportface TV, available via the Play Store for Android, the App Store for iOS, and web tv.sportface.it.
This weekend in Val di Fassa is shaping up to be a defining moment for Laura Pirovano, and a thrilling spectacle for alpine skiing fans worldwide. Her recent successes are a testament to her dedication, skill, and perseverance, and she’s quickly becoming a name to watch in the world of women’s downhill racing.
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