Park Record
Park City and Summit County News
Skiing legend Lindsey Vonn made her return to the world stage Saturday, competing in the St. Moritz World Cup’s super-G race. Vonn would go on to finish in a remarkable 14th place, with a time of 1:16.36.
The race was Vonn’s first Cup level action in nearly six years. Her finishing time was only 1.18 seconds off the winning time by Austrian Cornelia Huetter.
Fellow Parkite Lauren Macuga continued her breakout season, finishing seventh with a time of 1:15.93, 0.75 tenths of a second off the lead. Finishing last season ranked 43rd in the world, Macuga is ranked 17th through two Cups.
Sunday’s second super-G race was cancelled due to inclement weather conditions.
“Feels very normal,” said Vonn on her return to Cup racing. “It feels like it always has — like second nature to me.”
Vonn enjoyed feeling the starting gate pressure once more. The 40-year-old foreran but didn’t race the opening Cup last week in Beaver Creek.
The St. Moritz crowd more than appreciated her return at their race, erupting into a soccer match-like frenzy when she crossed the finish line. There were flags waving, bullhorns sounding and fans cheering loudly.
“I love the pressure,” added Vonn. “I love that feeling in your stomach, and having to focus. Downhill and super-G are two very special disciplines, and I’m so happy that I get to race them again.”
Vonn and Macuga will both be back on course early next month for the St. Anton, Austria Cup — running Jan. 9-12.
Despite only having one Cup race under her belt, Vonn is already back to 59 in the world rankings. It’s clear she could compete towards the high echelons of the sport, especially as the season wears on. Vonn improved from her four lower-level FIS results in Copper Mountain earlier this month.
“It looked like it was going to be easy, and I think the whole field agreed,” shared Macuga on the St. Moritz course. “However, it turned out to be very, very busy.”
Macuga said the course ran faster than expected, despite some Thursday and Friday snowfall. She added that you had to be prepared for anything out there.
Macuga was coming off a career-weekend in Beaver Creek, which saw her post her best-ever fourth place finish in their downhill race. Last year, Macuga finished significantly higher in the super-G standings, potentially her specialty.
Vonn shared that the team would enjoy time with their families and get some practice in before the St. Anton Cup.
There are six Cups and the World Championships left this season. To take a peak at the women’s speed calendar, see the FIS’ page.
The St. Anton downhill and super-G races will be available for streaming on Peacock.
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The Park Record newspaper publishes twice weekly in Park City, Utah, and has been serving Summit County since 1880.
