Emma Aicher: Missed Abfahrt Globe, Shiffrin Challenge Remains | Alpine Skiing World Cup 2024
Kvitfjell, Norway – Laura Pirovano of Italy secured the downhill discipline title at the Lillehammer World Cup Finals on , denying American Breezy Johnson a first-ever World Cup triumph. Pirovano finished with a time 0.15 seconds faster than Johnson, while Germany’s Kira Weidle-Winkelmann rounded out the podium in third, 0.25 seconds behind the winner.
The victory marked a stunning end to Pirovano’s downhill season. “The Lolli,” as Aicher referred to Pirovano in a post-race interview with ZDF, “deserved the globe, that fits.” Pirovano’s three consecutive downhill wins solidified her position at the top of the discipline standings.
Aicher’s Strong Season Continues, But Overall Title Remains Distant
While Pirovano celebrated the downhill title, Germany’s Emma Aicher finished fifth in the race, missing out on the discipline win. Despite the result, Aicher managed to reduce her overall World Cup points deficit to Mikaela Shiffrin (USA) from 140 to 95 points. Though, the path to the overall crystal globe remains challenging with only three races remaining.
Aicher will require to win the Super-G on to close the gap on Shiffrin. However, Shiffrin herself is slated to compete in the Super-G, and generally performs better in Giant Slalom and Slalom events, adding another layer of complexity to Aicher’s pursuit.
Aicher appeared composed after the race, even smiling at times, despite falling short of the downhill title. “I am exceptionally satisfied,” she stated, acknowledging the success of her season thus far. “I said before the weekend: everything that happens now is a bonus. Before this season, I wasn’t anywhere.”
German Team Reflects on a Successful Season
Weidle-Winkelmann’s third-place finish marked her third podium of the season, but she expressed disappointment at being narrowly edged out by Johnson. “It’s really bitter that Emma lost the globe and Breezy pushed me off the podium. When you’re so close, you naturally want to be at the very top,” she said to ZDF.
Despite the missed opportunities in Kvitfjell, both Aicher and Weidle-Winkelmann acknowledged the overall success of the German downhill team this season. Aicher secured one win and a second-place finish, while Weidle-Winkelmann achieved two second-place finishes and a third. “One can still be proud of what we’ve shown this season. We’re taking the positive with us,” Weidle-Winkelmann added, while conceding, “It’s a little tough right now.”
Weidle-Winkelmann and Aicher previously won a silver medal together in the team combination at the Olympic Games, highlighting the strong partnership within the German team.
Pirovano’s Breakthrough Season
Pirovano’s victory represents a significant breakthrough in her career. Prior to two weeks ago, the 28-year-classic had never stood on a World Cup podium. Her recent string of three consecutive downhill wins demonstrates a remarkable surge in form and establishes her as a force to be reckoned with in the discipline.
The Italian skier’s consistent performance throughout the season culminated in a well-deserved downhill title, solidifying her position as one of the top downhill racers in the world.
Aicher’s Olympic Momentum Continues
Emma Aicher’s performance builds on the momentum from the Milano Cortina 2026 Games, where she secured two silver medals – one in downhill and another in the team combined event. Her consistent podium finishes and competitive spirit suggest she is poised for continued success in the coming seasons.
Aicher’s ability to compete across all disciplines, as noted in her Wikipedia profile, makes her a versatile and valuable asset to the German team. Her achievements include three Olympic silver medals and a bronze medal in the World Championships, showcasing her talent and dedication to the sport.
The World Cup Finals continue with the Super-G on , where Aicher will attempt to further close the gap on Shiffrin in the overall standings. The outcome of the race will be crucial in determining the eventual winner of the coveted overall crystal globe.