Sofia Goggia Dominates Cortina d'Ampezzo Downhill With 19th World Cup Victory

Italian Star Sofia Goggia Triumphs at Iconic Cortina d'Ampezzo Downhill

Sofia Goggia, known as "La Regina della Velocità" (The Queen of Speed), demonstrated her mastery of the demanding Cortina d'Ampezzo course, securing her 19th World Cup Downhill victory. The January 17 race saw Goggia finish 0.42 seconds ahead of Norway's Kajsa Vickhoff Lie, while Italy's Federica Brignone rounded out the podium.

Team USA showed strong form throughout the competition, with Jacqueline Wiles leading the charge. Opening the race with bib 1, Wiles set a competitive time of 1:34.94, ultimately securing a season-best seventh place finish. "It felt like a solid run. I really needed a solid result this season, so I am really happy with the run that I put down," Wiles shared after her performance.

The battle for the podium was intense throughout the day. Norway's Lie held the lead for much of the competition, setting a blistering pace that proved difficult to match. Several top contenders, including current Downhill leader Austria's Cornelia Hütter and reigning Overall Crystal Globe winner Lara Gut-Behrami, made valiant attempts but fell short, finishing sixth and fourth respectively.

The victor, Sofia Goggia, could not wipe the smile off her face after winning. Credit: FIS Alpine

Brignone's podium finish marked a special moment in her career, securing her first-ever podium at Cortina. "In Cortina, it is my first podium, something that I really wanted in my career and was really looking for," she expressed, despite showing initial frustration at missing the top spot by mere fractions of a second.

The challenging Cortina track, renowned for its steep sections, rollers, and technical elements, proved less treacherous than last year's event, with only two DNFs recorded. Elena Curtoni of Italy experienced disappointment when she lost balance and missed a gate, while other competitors managed to navigate the course's challenges successfully.

The American team continued to show depth beyond Wiles' performance. Lauren Macuga, wearing bib 29, secured an impressive 16th place finish, building on her recent momentum from her first career victory in St. Anton, Austria. Lindsey Vonn, in her fourth comeback race, showed glimpses of her legendary form before a late error relegated her to 20th place. "I am a little bit disappointed with my mistake today," Vonn reflected. "I think I was poised for another top-five result, but that's what happens in ski racing."

Keely Cashman's performance stood out as she claimed the Stifel Bibbo Award, advancing from bib 44 to finish in 28th place, earning valuable FIS points and demonstrating the depth of talent in the field.

Saturday’s Downhill podium: Sofia Goggia 1st, Kajsa Lie 2nd, Federica Brignone 3rd. | Credit: FIS Alpine

Goggia's victory came after a masterful display in the technical middle section, where she gained nearly half a second over her competitors. "For us Italians, it's always a special place in Cortina, and today I felt like I had my heart in my throat," Goggia remarked. "I didn't know who was leading, who was second, who was third. I just had the strategy in my mind."

The win further establishes Goggia as a favorite for the upcoming Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Downhill, which will take place on the same course. Her connection to the venue runs deep, as she expressed: "Cortina is not just a Downhill, or a race. It means the world to me."

Last year's Cortina champion, Stephanie Venier, couldn't replicate her success, finishing in 12th place. Meanwhile, Czech Republic's Ester Ledecka showed her trademark aggressive style but had to settle for eighth place, demonstrating the incredibly competitive nature of the field.

The women's tour continues with the Super-G event, where perfect weather and snow conditions are expected to provide another showcase of world-class skiing at the Olimpia delle Tofane. With the level of competition displayed in the Downhill, skiers and fans alike are anticipating another thrilling day of racing on this iconic course.