Ljutić wins slalom race, Andreja Slokar among the Top10 in Kranjska Gora
Another exceptional day unfolded in Kranjska Gora, where 5,460 enthusiastic fans gathered to cheer on the athletes. Their spirited support fueled an excellent performance by Andreja Slokar, who finished in an impressive 7th place. Neja Dvornik also delivered a solid run, securing 17th place in the competition. The race featured a thrilling battle for victory between Zrinka Ljutić and Wendy Holdener. In the end, it was the Croatian Ljutić who emerged victorious
Another Memorable Day in Kranjska Gora: Slovenian Skiers Shine Amid Fierce Competition
The slopes of Kranjska Gora provided the stage for another thrilling race, as 5,460 passionate fans cheered on the athletes in the slalom event. Andreja Slokar delivered an excellent performance, advancing to 7th place, while Neja Dvornik fought her way to 17th, continuing her streak of solid results this season.
The challenging course was impeccably prepared once again, setting the stage for an exciting competition. In the first run, Andreja Slokar clocked the 9th fastest time, with a +1.16 second deficit. Neja Dvornik, starting with bib 16, struggled to find her rhythm, finishing 20th with a +1.92-second gap. Unfortunately, they were the only Slovenian competitors to make it to the final. Ana Bucik Jogan, unable to find her form in slalom this season, finished 35th. Lila Lapanja took 44th place, debutant Caterina Sinigoi was 55th, and Nika Tomšič did not finish.
The race saw a fierce battle for victory between Wendy Holdener of Switzerland and Zrinka Ljutić of Croatia, who tied in the first run. Holdener set the fastest time of the second run, but Ljutić delivered a strong response to claim her second consecutive World Cup victory by just 0.16 seconds.
Slovenian Highlights:
In the final run, Neja Dvornik gave it her all but was unable to take the lead upon crossing the finish line. Nevertheless, her solid run moved her up to 17th place, showcasing her consistency this season. Andreja Slokar, cheered on by the enthusiastic home crowd, took the lead upon completing her second run and ultimately finished in 7th place, a strong result as she continues to build confidence.
Post-Race Quotes:
Andreja Slokar:
“Seventh place must satisfy me right now. I can’t let it not, as I would only feel frustrated, which makes improvement harder. I’m happy, especially because I faced countless problems on the second run. When I crossed the finish line and took the lead, I couldn’t believe it, and a weight was lifted off my shoulders. I’m satisfied.”
Neja Dvornik:
“There’s a bit of a bittersweet taste to this slalom. I didn’t feel my best all day. Still, when I reflect on yesterday’s performance and find some positives today, I’ll have to be satisfied with these home races. What didn’t go according to plan, we’ll train and improve.”
Ana Bucik Jogan:
“Unfortunately, it ended after the first run. I can’t find the ease in slalom that allows for proper speed. Until I change this, it’ll be very hard to achieve better results in slalom. But I’ll work on turning this around as quickly as possible.”
Lila Lapanja:
“The time margins in the World Cup are very small, and the competition is fierce. I missed the final by less than a second. I know exactly where I’m losing time and how I can gain it. I felt confident and gave it my all. I’m satisfied with my skiing and know what I need to do going forward.”
Nika Tomšič:
“I was well-prepared. I knew I needed a strong start, as the course was icy. I attacked from the start, knowing that was the only way to achieve a good result today. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out, leaving me with just a few bruises. Still, I’m moving forward with my head held high to compete in lower-level races.”
Caterina Sinigoi:
“I started with some hesitation. The ice is broken now. I perform better on easier terrain, but I think it was good to begin on a challenging course to see where I need to improve.”
Coaches' Insights:
Mitja Kunc:
“We keep seeing the same issue in slalom, especially on icy surfaces. There’s a lack of ease and decisiveness. Ana skis defensively, focusing on survival rather than attacking, which isn’t enough for the World Cup. We’re working to change this, and I hope she breaks out of this cycle in the second half of the season.”
Denis Šteharnik:
“We’re happier with the giant slalom results than the slalom, but 17th place isn’t bad. Neja struggles with the steepness here, so the focus was on the giant slalom, where she performed well. Switching focus to slalom didn’t go as smoothly. We need to improve how Neja transitions to new skis and starts strong from the first turn.”
Boštjan Božič:
“Today was tough. Andreja was still shaken from yesterday’s result. In the morning, she was in a difficult state but managed to show her abilities. While her runs weren’t flawless, there were great sections. The grey areas will be addressed by the end of the season, and she’ll carry this forward.”