The first racing week at this year’s World Ski Championships has been full of surprises. In every race, Level’s athletes showed their capabilities on the slopes, winning medals and gaining great performances.
Women’s Alpine Combined
Federica is on top of the world. Up to this moment in her career, Federica Brignone didn’t manage to win a gold medal at the World Ski Championships. Everything changed on February 6th when the Italian skier stepped on the podium to win the Women’s Alpine Combined. Federica Brignone skied unbelievably well, with more than a second and a half gap from the second-best time. For this edition of the World Championships, Level designed a special custom edition for the Italian champion, changing the eagle design for a tiger, spirit animal and lucky charm for Federica Brignone. Elena Curtoni finished her run with the 9th-best time, while Marie-Michèle Gagnon closed the Top 10. Fellow Canadian Valérie Grenier finished in the 14th spot.
Men’s Alpine Combined
River Radamus and Atle Lie McGrath had the best results in the Men’s Alpine Combined with a fourth and fifth overall. The American skier from Colorado showed his capabilities and willingness to compete at this edition of the World Championships. The young Norwegian left everyone speechless with his fantastic runs. After the first speed race, Atle Lie McGrath finished with the best time in Slalom. Unfortunately, this was not enough to put him on the podium. McGrath suffered a knee injury in the Super G race and had to leave Courchevel early.
Men’s Super G
James Crawford crowned his dreams with his first victory and first Gold Medal at the World Championships. The young Canadian showed his capabilities during many races of this year’s World Cup. “Today I finally felt like I was racing again since Wengen”, said James Crawford after the podium, ”It’s been difficult since my crash to bring the right intensity but today I put myself in the driver’s seat and sent it. It’s sometimes hard to believe in yourself but when you do anything is possible!”. Aleksander Aamodt Kilde finished 2nd with a +0.01s margin. Brodie Seger (CAN) got the 9th best time, while Jeff Read (11), Mattia Casse (13) and Christof Innerhofer (20) completed the Top 20.
Women’s Super G
Raghnild Mowinckel had a very performing race and finished 5th in Women’s Super G. Federica Brignone ended in the 8th position, making her the second-best Level athlete in Super G. Elena Curtoni confirmed this year’s performance in the Top 20 with the 15th best time of the day. In the final thirty, Breezy Johnson finished 24th and Marie-Michèle Gagnon closed the day with the 26th spot. The Canadian skier announced her retirement at the end of this year, after more than 270 starts and 2 victories. Team Level wishes Marie-Michèle the very best of luck in her new life!
Men’s DH
A day full of adrenaline for the Downhill race in Courchevel. Aleksander Aamodt Kilde won his second silver medal at this edition of the World Championships, with a +0.48 on the winner. These results confirm the dominance of the Norwegian skier in this year’s race calendar. Cameron Alexander left everyone speechless after the podium with a bronze medal. Alexander was at his first World Championships appearance. James Crawford (CAN) raced very well, finishing 5th overall. In the best 10 times, Florian Schieder (ITA) ended the Downhill race in 7th position. After his podium in Kitzbühel, Schieder confirmed his talent for speed racing. Matteo Marsaglia (15) and Mattia Casse (20) had a good run in the Top 20.
Women’s DH
Raghnild Mowinckel confirmed herself as the best Team Level skier with a 10th position in the Downhill race in Méribel. Elena Curtoni, one of the best Italian speed racers, finished 13th, while Isabella Wright (US) ended in the 19th spot.