Pirovano Secures First World Cup Downhill Victory in Val di Fassa
VAL DI FASSA, Italy – Laura Pirovano of Italy achieved a historic milestone on Friday, claiming her first World Cup downhill victory in Val di Fassa. The Italian skier edged out Germany’s Emma Aicher by a mere one-hundredth of a second, while Sofia Goggia, a recent Olympic medalist at the Milano Cortina 2026 Games, finished further down the standings in 17th place.
The race, held on the “La VolatA” piste – named in memory of entrepreneur Alberto Vendruscolo – proved to be a bittersweet day for the Italian team. Pirovano’s triumph was tempered by a challenging performance from Goggia, who struggled to find her rhythm on the course. This victory marks a significant breakthrough for Pirovano, who had previously come close to the podium on numerous occasions.
A Victory Years in the Making
Pirovano’s win wasn’t simply a matter of speed; it was a testament to patience and mental fortitude. Aware of her near misses in the past – recalling a similar situation in St. Anton where she prematurely celebrated a podium finish only to be overtaken – Pirovano waited until the very last competitor had completed their run before allowing herself to celebrate. “Once a St. Anton — she recalled smiling — I was already ready to celebrate the podium when I found myself at their feet,” she said, highlighting her cautious approach.
This strategy proved successful. As the 55th and final skier, Pirovano posted a time that held off Aicher by the slimmest of margins. Remarkably, her time was 29-hundredths of a second faster than Breezy Johnson, the reigning Olympic champion from the Milano Cortina 2026 Games. Pirovano even expressed empathy for Aicher, acknowledging the heartbreak of losing by such a small difference. “I told her I can tell her very well how frustrating a difference of 1 hundredth of a second is: so I understand her. However, today I seek to enjoy it to the fullest,” she said.
Goggia’s Struggles and the Shifting World Cup Landscape
While Pirovano celebrated a career-defining moment, Goggia faced a disappointing day on the slopes. Finishing in 17th place, 90-hundredths of a second behind Pirovano, and outside the top 15, her performance significantly impacts her chances in the overall World Cup downhill standings. Goggia acknowledged her struggles, stating, “Today I seemed like a giraffe on skates.”
The results have reshuffled the standings. Lindsey Vonn currently leads the downhill discipline with 400 points, but her participation is uncertain due to injury. Emma Aicher has moved into second place with 386 points, while Pirovano’s victory propels her to third with 336 points. With two races remaining – another downhill in Val di Fassa on Saturday, March 7th, and the finals in Norway – the race for the downhill title remains open.
Strong Performances from Curtoni and Melesi
The Italian team also saw positive results from Elena Curtoni, who finished 10th, and Roberta Melesi, who secured 15th place, ahead of Nadia Delago in 16th. These performances provided a boost for the Italian squad, despite Goggia’s difficulties. Curtoni expressed satisfaction with her run, stating she was able to “extract the good sensations” she’s been feeling, while acknowledging there’s still room for improvement.
Looking Ahead: Val di Fassa and Beyond
The focus now shifts to Saturday’s second downhill race in Val di Fassa. Pirovano will undoubtedly be looking to build on her momentum, while Goggia will aim to regain her form and potentially aid Pirovano’s challenge against Aicher and Kira Weidle-Winkelmann, who currently sits fourth in the standings. The upcoming races will be crucial in determining the final outcome of the World Cup downhill season.
The Val di Fassa races are a key part of the broader Alpine skiing World Cup circuit, offering valuable points towards both individual titles and the overall Nations Cup. The event also serves as a significant preparation opportunity for athletes ahead of future competitions, including the World Championships and the Olympic Games.
This victory for Laura Pirovano is not just a personal triumph, but a moment of pride for Italian skiing. It demonstrates the depth of talent within the Italian team and sets the stage for an exciting conclusion to the World Cup downhill season.
The next scheduled event is the second downhill race in Val di Fassa on Saturday, March 7th. Stay tuned to Archysport for continued coverage of the Alpine Skiing World Cup.
