Who is racing in the Stifel Killington Cup GS, when, and how to watch the women’s 2nd World Cup giant slalom of the season.
As the ski racing community shifts its focus from recent competitions in Sölden, Austria, and Levi, Finland, all eyes are now on the highly anticipated Stifel Killington Cup in Vermont. The battle for supremacy between Mikaela Shiffrin and Petra Vlhová takes center stage, as these two skiing titans continue their season-long rivalry. With Shiffrin currently leading the overall standings by a narrow margin, Vlhová’s recent impressive performances indicate that the competition will be fierce. This article will delve into the upcoming Stifel Killington Cup GS, highlighting the key contenders, the history of the event, and how to watch the thrilling race.
Lara Gut-Behrami’s Victory in Sölden Sets the Stage
In the opening Giant Slalom of the 2023-24 season in Sölden, Switzerland’s Lara Gut-Behrami emerged victorious, showcasing her exceptional skill in a highly competitive field. The race featured formidable competitors such as Federica Brignone from Italy, who secured second place, and Slovakia’s Petra Vlhová, who finished in third. This intense competition sets the stage for the upcoming GS event in Killington, Vermont.
North American Highlights
The Stifel Killington Cup provides a platform for three North American skiers to shine. Mikaela Shiffrin, the reigning Giant Slalom World Champion from the USA, leads the charge with her exceptional skills. Canadian Valerie Grenier, who won a Kranjska Gora GS last season, is determined to reclaim the top spot. Paula Moltzan of the USA displayed impressive speed in the second run at Sölden, indicating her readiness for a strong performance. Additionally, Canadian Claire Timmermann, representing the University of Utah, will make her World Cup debut in Saturday’s Stifel Killington Cup GS.
Killington’s Skiing Legacy
Killington, Vermont, has a rich skiing history dating back to the early 1900s. The Winter Olympics in 1932 and the efforts of Perry Merrill, known as the “Father of Vermont’s State Parks and Alpine Ski Areas,” played a crucial role in kickstarting the state’s ski industry. The determination of Preston Leete Smith led to the formation of the Sherburne Corporation in the 1950s, which eventually led to the opening of Killington Basin Ski Area on December 13, 1958. This marked the beginning of Killington Resort’s legacy as a premier skiing destination.
Event Schedule and Viewing Guide
The women’s first run of the Stifel Killington Cup GS is scheduled to start at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time, with the second run commencing at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Viewers in the United States can watch the race live on Outside, which will provide the free first-run live feed. For the second run, multiple options are available, including Outside, Peacock, and NBC TV. On-demand replays of the entire race can be accessed on O+, while Peacock offers on-demand for the second run. It’s important to note that subscriptions are required for both services.
Announcers and Coverage
The Stifel Killington Cup races will be announced by two distinctive three-person teams. Marco Sullivan, Alice McKennis Duran, and DC Oetken will provide live commentary for both runs on Outside TV and O+. During the second run, Olympic Champion Picabo Street, World Cup expert Steve Porino, and NBC sports announcer Steve Schlanger will be the voices on Peacock and NBC, offering live commentary. In Canada, the World Cup can be viewed on CBC sports.
Conclusion:
The Stifel Killington Cup promises to be an exhilarating showcase of talent and determination as Mikaela Shiffrin and Petra Vlhová continue their season-long rivalry. With the North American leg of the World Cup kicking off in Killington, Vermont, fans have the opportunity to witness the world’s best skiers in action. As the race unfolds, the outcome remains uncertain, making it a must-watch event for skiing enthusiasts around the globe.
Leave a Reply