Kvitfjell, Norway – The dream of a first overall World Cup title is fading for Emma Aicher, as the German ski star failed to reach the podium in both the downhill and super-G races at Kvitfjell this weekend. While a mathematical chance remains, Mikaela Shiffrin now appears poised to secure her sixth overall title, holding a 45-point lead with just two races remaining.
Aicher, who had been steadily closing the gap on Shiffrin throughout the season, needed a strong showing in the speed events to capitalize on Shiffrin’s decision to skip the downhill. However, a fifth-place finish in Saturday’s downhill and a fourth-place finish in Sunday’s super-G yielded only 95 points out of a possible 200. The pressure is now firmly on Shiffrin as the World Cup circuit moves to Hafjell, Norway, for the final slalom and giant slalom races of the season.
“Passt schon,” Aicher said lakonically after the super-G, a phrase translating to “It’s alright.” “I wasn’t really satisfied with my skiing. It can be much better.” This understated assessment reflects a frustrating weekend for the German, who came agonizingly close to the podium in both events.
The situation was compounded by Shiffrin’s unexpected performance in the super-G. Despite choosing not to compete in the downhill, Shiffrin’s 22nd-place finish – while not scoring points – prevented Aicher from making significant inroads. Shiffrin now enters the technical races, where she traditionally excels, with a comfortable cushion.
The margins were incredibly tight in Kvitfjell. In the super-G, Aicher missed out on a podium spot by a mere 0.01 seconds, finishing behind winner Sofia Goggia of Italy and Switzerland’s Corinne Suter, with Kira Weidle-Winkelmann taking third. Similarly, in the downhill, Aicher was only 0.12 seconds behind Weidle-Winkelmann, who finished third. “That hurts a little, of course,” Weidle-Winkelmann acknowledged, recognizing how close Aicher was to a breakthrough result.
Shiffrin, known for her composure, expressed surprise at Aicher’s struggles. “I thought Emma could accept the lead after these two races,” Shiffrin told ZDF, a German television network. “I’m in a better position than I thought I would be.” She acknowledged the challenge ahead, stating, “She has the ability to win it. She’s been so strong all season and would deserve it. If she ends up on top, I can only tip my hat to her.”
However, Shiffrin also emphasized her confidence in her own strengths, particularly in the upcoming technical events. “I feel pretty strong in the giant slalom right now. The feeling is also stable in the slalom,” she said. Shiffrin has already secured the small crystal globe for the slalom, having won eight of the nine races this season, with her only defeat coming at the hands of Camille Rast of Switzerland in Kranjska Gora.
Looking ahead, the math is clear. If Shiffrin wins the slalom on Tuesday, Aicher will require to finish at least fourth to keep the overall title race alive heading into the final giant slalom. The pressure is squarely on Aicher to deliver a flawless performance in the technical disciplines, where Shiffrin is the undisputed favorite.
This weekend also marked a missed opportunity for Aicher to secure the downhill discipline title. Laura Pirovano of Italy ultimately won the discipline, denying the German team their first small crystal globe since Viktoria Rebensburg’s giant slalom victory in 2018.
Despite the setbacks, Aicher’s season remains a resounding success. She secured two silver medals at the Olympic Winter Games, narrowly missing out on gold on both occasions. Her three World Cup victories and six additional podium finishes demonstrate her consistent performance and growing stature in the sport. “I said before the weekend that everything that happens now is just a bonus,” Aicher explained. “A year ago, I wasn’t anywhere in comparison. I’m already remarkably proud of how things have gone.”
Shiffrin herself has acknowledged Aicher’s potential, stating that the future belongs to the young German skier. The American also dispelled rumors of impending retirement, confirming her intention to compete next season, promising fans more thrilling head-to-head battles with Aicher in the years to come.
The final two races in Hafjell will be decisive. The women’s slalom is scheduled for Tuesday, March 31st, followed by the giant slalom on Wednesday, April 1st. The world will be watching to notice if Aicher can pull off a miracle and challenge Shiffrin for the overall title, or if Shiffrin will cement her legacy as one of the greatest alpine skiers of all time.
What’s Next: The FIS Alpine Ski World Cup Finals continue in Hafjell, Norway, with the women’s slalom on Tuesday, March 31st, and the giant slalom on Wednesday, April 1st. Stay tuned to Archysport for full coverage and analysis.
What are your thoughts on the World Cup race? Share your predictions in the comments below!
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