Ester Ledecká and Lara Gut-Behrami out in force in Crans-Montana

Ester Ledecká and Lara Gut-Behrami were the two fastest athletes in the second downhill training session in Crans-Montana on Thursday.

The level of competition went up a notch in the second downhill training session in Crans-Montana on Thursday. Still under predominantly sunny skies, and on a piste that held up perfectly despite high temperatures, the time trial (which was brought forward by half an hour) provided an opportunity for two skiers who have previously  won on the Mont Lachaux piste to gain confidence. The first was Ester Ledecká, who set the fastest time. The Czech star, who won here in 2022, is regaining her form and sensation after a curtailed winter. Her participation in the European Cup races in Crans-Montana last week may well have helped.

Behind Czech Ledeckà, Lara Gut-Behrami, three-time winner in Crans-Montana, showed her strength, finishing the fastest Swiss athlete once again. The World Cup leader continued to build on her momentum, even though a little end-of-season fatigue may slowly be setting in. Gut-Behrami took 2nd place, two tenths behind Ledecká, and Norway's Ragnhild Mowinckel and American Jacqueline Wiles shared third place. Italy's Federica Brignone, who feels very much at home on in Crans-Montana, finished 5th. 

As for the Swiss, Priska Nufer (21st), Michelle Gisin (24th) and Jasmine Flury (25th) all finished in the top 30. It’s now time for the races in Crans-Montana. The first downhill is scheduled for Friday morning at 10.30 on the Mont Lachaux piste.

DEPREZ-DUBUIS photo