Sara Hector Sets the Standard in Semmering Austria After Run One

Sara Hector/ GEPA pictures

Hector Sets the Standard in a Tight Top Three

Sara Hector (SWE) attacked from the start with confidence, showing the skill and composure of a seasoned veteran. She carried speed through the narrow upper flats, stayed low and connected on the chattered lower sections, and navigated the quick back-and-forth rhythm of the course with precision. That efficiency and control allowed her to separate herself from the rest of the field, ultimately taking the lead from Austria’s Julia Scheib by a razor-thin 0.02 seconds. After finishing just 0.57 seconds behind Federica Brignone here last season, Hector came to Semmering determined to reclaim the top spot.

Semmering, located in the lower part of Austria, is a challenging hill known for its narrow upper flats that weave their way downhill. The track can be dark in the morning with limited sun, making visibility a challenge from the very start. A longtime fixture on the women’s World Cup calendar, Semmering has hosted 14 giant slalom races for women, with the first dating back to the 1998/99 season. The injected surface held up well across the upper flats but gradually broke up and chattered in the more demanding sections as the race progressed, pushing several racers late and low. With it’s natural terrain and constant directional changes, the hill rewards a full-attack start and confident, efficient skiing from top to bottom.

Scheib and Colturi Keep the Podium Fight Tight

Julia Scheib (AUT) skied solidly from the start, and running bib one, she was the early pace setter and proved she belonged there. Her run was smooth and clean through the upper and middle sections, showing confidence on a demanding hill. She made a couple of small mistakes coming off the final terrain feature that caught several athletes off guard, forcing a quick recovery. That moment proved to be the difference between Scheib and Sara Hector after the first run.

Lara Colturi (ALB) also delivered a strong performance. Attacking aggressively out of the start, she skied with precision from top to bottom. While not quite as clean as Hector and Scheib through the lower section, Colturi limited the damage and remains very much in the hunt. Sitting just 0.13 seconds behind Hector, she has a clear opportunity to tidy up those details in the second run and challenge for the top spot.

SEMMERING,AUSTRIA,27.DEC.25 – ALPINE SKIING – Julia Scheib (AUT). Photo: GEPA pictures/ Harald Steiner

SEMMERING,AUSTRIA,27.DEC.25 – ALPINE SKIING – Lara Colturi (ALB). Photo: GEPA pictures/ Harald Steiner

Early Exits Shake Up the Giant Slalom Picture

Alice Robinson suffered an early exit despite leading the splits before her mistake. She has been one of the most exciting athletes to watch this season, skiing with visible confidence and intent. On Semmering’s quick, back and forth rhythm, Robinson became twisted in the transition and was unable to recover, going down on her face and inside. She was able to get back up, but the DNF carries significant implications. If Julia Scheib finishes today, Robinson will drop behind her in the giant slalom standings, where Robinson arrived in Semmering holding a 12 point lead.

Nina O’Brien was also skiing strongly from the start before her run came to an abrupt end. On a right foot turn, she moved inside and her ski hooked up on her, causing her to lose control and record a DNF. She was able to walk away uninjured, and we will see her back on the hill for the slalom. On a hill that demands constant precision, even small errors proved costly in the opening run.

North Americans Eye Moves in Second Run

Paula Moltzan leads the pack of North Americans after a solid first run. She made a few small mistakes that she will look to clean up for the second run. Sitting sixth, 0.82 seconds behind Sara Hector, Moltzan will be aiming for one of her signature second-run pushes with podium ambitions in sight.

Both Canadians, Valerie Grenier in seventh and Britt Richardson in tenth, had minor errors near the bottom where they were pushed slightly late. They will be looking to refine their lines in the second run and move up the standings.

Mikaela Shiffrin sits eighth after the first run. She launched with a strong attack at the top but struggled to maintain that momentum throughout the course, appearing to search for rhythm and footing on the chattered injection that was beginning to break up. With one run now under her belt on this surface, hopefully she can carry that experience into the second run, ski with more confidence, and know what to expect.

AJ Hurt made her return to the World Cup circuit following a hip injury. She sits 22nd after the first run and will aim to take advantage of a cleaner course in the second run to gradually regain her World Cup giant slalom speed. It was great to see her back in action.

One of the standout performances of run one came from Justine Lamontagne, who moved from bib 58 to finish 29th. The Montana State skier fought hard down the course, managing her race smartly to secure a top-30 finish and a second run. This marks her first time in the top 30, and the experience should serve as motivation, showing her that she belongs at this level and giving her a platform to build on in the future.