Sofia Goggia on podium in Crans-Montana with tragedy still in mind
Sofia Goggia’s victory in the SuperG in Crans-Montana fades by only 18 hundredths, but the second place won by the Azzurra is worth much more than just a placing. On Mont Lachaux, the Bergamasque raced aggressively and at the highest level, taking her third podium of the season in the specialty and consolidating her leadership in the rankings. Ahead of her was only host Malorie Blanc, who was able to make the most of the final stretch at just 21 years old to stop the clock on’1’17”34.
“It was not easy to race here because of what happened,” explained Goggia. “The thought of that drama accompanied me all month, knowing that I would be back on this very track. However, I am satisfied with my race: I made a couple of mistakes, especially at the top, but I felt I had great speed. January has never been an easy month for me, and ending it with a podium finish is the best way to approach the Olympics. I feel good physically and mentally, I want to bring the best version of me to Cortina. For me, the Olympics is sacred and just thinking that the next races will be the Games gives me a huge charge”.
Great performance also for Roberta Melesi, who achieved the best result of her career. Tenths lost in the final stretch cost Ballabio’s Azzurra the podium, but the test remains of the highest level. Long third behind Goggia, Melesi was overtaken by Breezy Johnson, who started with bib number 29. “I always try to give my best,” she said. “Unfortunately, we have competed few super-Gs, but on the most technical slopes I know I can be competitive. Losing the podium hurts, however, I take what was good and continue to build, step by step”.
Of note is also the regret for Laura Pirovano: the woman from Trento was having an extraordinary race, with the best intermediate halfway through the race but a mistake in the final forced her to jump the penultimate gate, saying goodbye to a victory that at that point seemed possible.
Federica Brignone, making her return to speed with only three days of training in her legs, was complicit in a mistake at the top and finally finished 18th, 1″28 from Blanc. The downhill cancelled on Friday will be made up next March 6 in Val di Fassa.
