After dominating the first four World Cup slaloms this season, Mikaela Shiffrin barely maintained her winning streak as she prepares for the 2026 Olympics. Despite securing victory in the night slalom event in Austria on Sunday, the American ski star expressed dissatisfaction with the race conditions at the Panorama course.
Shiffrin trailed behind world champion Camille Rast of Switzerland in the first run but managed to clinch the win by having the fastest second run time. However, she criticized the safety of the course, stating that it was not suitable for all participants, especially those with later start numbers due to deteriorating conditions caused by mild weather.
Organizers attempted to improve the course by injecting water and salt before the race, but the surface continued to break during the afternoon run. Conditions slightly improved for the evening session when temperatures dropped, but Shiffrin highlighted the challenging and distracting nature of the day.
Despite the difficulties, Shiffrin showcased her skill in the final run, posting the fastest time to secure her sixth consecutive World Cup slalom win. She expressed relief at the absence of major injuries but emphasized the need for better course conditions to ensure the safety and confidence of all athletes.
Shiffrin’s victory extended her lead in the slalom standings, positioning her well for the upcoming events leading to the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. With her remarkable performance, she matched her personal best start from the 2018-19 season, setting a strong foundation for her Olympic aspirations.
The women’s World Cup circuit will continue with upcoming races in Slovenia, offering further challenges and opportunities for competitors like Shiffrin to showcase their talents on the international stage.