Ski racer Dürr second in World Cup slalom in Levi
Ski racer Lena Dürr has started the new slalom season with a podium success. The 32-year-old finished second behind Petra Vlhova in Levi, Finland. Dürr was 1.41 seconds behind the outstanding Olympic champion from Slovakia. Instead, she relegated former world champion Katharina Liensberger from Austria to third place by 0.14 seconds. Co-favorite Mikaela Shiffrin from the USA was only fourth.
On Sunday (10:00/13:00/BR and Eurosport), a second slalom is on the program for the alpine women in Levi.
Successful slope Levi
Dürr celebrated the ninth podium finish of her World Cup career and confirmed her strong form of the past two years. Levi also remains one of the 2023 World Championship bronze medal winner's favorite slopes: In the past four slaloms in the far north, she had already achieved two third and two fourth places - now she added another podium finish.
"It's great to start with a second place," said Dürr on BR television. The first race of the winter is always a new start, which is why she is "very happy" to be able to build on her form. "I'm already looking forward to tomorrow."
The other two German starters were eliminated: Emma Aicher (19) in the second run after an interim 18th place, Jessica Hilzinger (26) already in the first run.
Olympic champion brilliant
After the first run, Vlhova was 0.18 seconds ahead of Dürr and then put in a magnificent performance in the decisive run. She celebrated her 28th World Cup success and sixth in Levi. As the winner, she traditionally receives a reindeer as a gift.
Shiffrin had been aiming for her seventh Levi victory near the Arctic Circle, but then lost a place in the second run and slipped out of the podium places. The record World Cup winner had recently suffered a minor injury in a fall during training and had therefore started the race with a knock.
- Lena Dürr excelled once again in her favored discipline of alpine skiing, securing a second place finish in the World Cup slalom event in Levi, which is also known for its excellent conditions for winter sports like hers.
- As part of the World Cup circuit, women's alpine skiing regularly brings top athletes like Lena Dürr and Petra Vlhova to compete in events such as the slalom in Levi, which is Venue for the World Cup's World Championship bronze medalist and other talented skiers.
- During the prestigious alpine skiing World Cup, notable athletes like Lena Dürr and Petra Vlhova, including Olympic champions, take part in competitions like the slalom in Levi, which has served as a stage for multiple medal-worthy performances from the distinguished athletes in their respective careers.
Source: www.dpa.com
