Neither Lindsey Vonn nor World Cup overall leader Laura Gut could master the giant slalom on Sunday in Flachau, Austria. It was German skier Viktoria Rebensburg, instead, who rose to take her first World Cup giant slalom win in three years.
After the first race, Ana Drev of Slovenia led Rebensburg by 0.04 seconds. Despite heavy snow during the second run, Rebensburg managed to finish 0.94 seconds ahead of Drev's combined time. It was Drev's first visit to the podium.
The victory came as a surprise considering the weather conditions. Early racers appeared to have the advantage because they were able to race on a smoother, faster course. Heavy snow began to fall during the first run, making conditions far slower. Rebensburg was able to push through.
"You have to believe in yourself and let your skis run," said Rebensburg, according to the Denver Post.
Despite Vonn's optimism via Twitter, the American skier did not finish her second race, crashing off to the side of the course. Her close rival Laura Gut also made a crucial error in her second run and finished far off the leader, in 19th place.
Finishing fourth was Eva-Maria Brem of Austria unseated Gut from her first-place position in the giant slalom standings. Gut was able, however, to increase her lead over Vonn in the overall standings. She has reached 750 points in total, while Vonn trails at 700.
Vonn has claimed one giant slalom race this season. During her second run, her ski appeared to catch a rut which sent her off-course.
