Alice Robinson Secures Back-to-Back Giant Slalom Wins in Canada

New Zealand skier Alice Robinson achieved a remarkable feat by securing consecutive victories in the FIS Giant Slalom World Cup, triumphing in Tremblant, Canada, on Sunday, March 10, 2024 (NZT). The 24-year-old from Queenstown followed up her previous win at Copper Mountain with this latest success, marking her sixth World Cup title and 19th podium finish.

Robinson’s nearest competitor, Zrinka Ljutic of Croatia, finished 0.94 seconds behind, while local favorite Valerie Grenier completed the podium, much to the delight of the home crowd. Reflecting on her performance, Robinson noted, “That was such a testing race. It felt like the complete opposite of Copper last weekend. I’m so excited, and I’m so glad I was able to hold on after the lead in the first run and build on it; it’s awesome.”

Challenging Conditions and Tactical Racing

The race took place under challenging conditions, with flat light and snowfall complicating visibility and grip for many athletes. Despite this, Robinson delivered a swift first run, finishing with a time that put her ahead by 0.33 seconds. As she prepared for her second run, she exhibited a commanding performance that showcased her technical skill and racing strategy.

Robinson elaborated on her second run, stating, “The speed was faster; I think the snow got colder. It stopped snowing as much and it froze, so the tempo was up a bit. It’s definitely just about working top to bottom. It’s a flat hill, but it’s not easy—it has so much terrain, so you have to be tactically smart about where you push and where you hold back a bit.”

With her victory in Tremblant, Robinson has set the stage for another opportunity, as the Tremblant FIS Giant Slalom World Cup is a double-header event. She is scheduled to compete again on the same slope early on Monday, March 11, 2024 (NZT).

Success in Freeskiing Abroad

Meanwhile, in China, another New Zealand athlete, Luca Harrington, achieved a commendable second place at the FIS Freeski Big Air World Cup. This result marks the 21-year-old from Wanaka’s sixth consecutive podium finish in Big Air competitions. Harrington expressed his enthusiasm, noting, “Today we set out with our two goals to get those first two tricks done, and getting that first trick done gave me a lot of confidence going into run two. The level of the sport is incredible at the moment, and to stay at the top means the world to me.”

Both Robinson and Harrington’s recent successes highlight the growing prominence of New Zealand athletes in winter sports on the international stage. With their continued dedication and skill, they are setting a high bar for future competitions.