Shiffrin slides out 3 gates from finish: Lara Gut wins GS in Aspen

The feeling of victory was so close she could taste it. USA's Mikaela Shiffrin faltered slightly with three gates to remaining which resulted in her DNF in the GS at the Aspen Winternational.  Shiffrin, in first place after the first run and was building on her advantage and skiing with poise and confidence. In what I can only imagine was a minor drop in concentration for the champion, she slid out with only 3 gates remaining. Shiffrin's digger opened the door for Swiss hottie Lara Gut to take the gold medal. Last years winner, Eva Marie Brem from Austria finished 2nd and Italian race Frederica Brignone placed 3rd.    

It was a great day of racing in Aspen. A snowy and beautiful day on Aspen Mountain. The home-town crowd that was pulling heavily for Mikaela Shiffrin was visibly an audibly heartbroken.  AspenSpin had a chance to speak briefly with Shiffrin after the race and while she was supremely disappointed her mental toughness was evident. It appeared as she was already moving forward from the race that got away. Described by U.S. Coach Paul Kristofic as "a tough cookie" Shiffrin will be favored in todays slalom.  

1) Gut / Sui 2) Brem Aut 3) Brignone Ita. Aspen World Cup Giant Slalom. photo: AspenSpin         

Going for Globes. Aspen World Cup

The White Circus is back in Aspen.  The Women's World Cup is back in Fat City for another sesh.   Aspen is the only FIS Skiing world Cup on U.S. soil.  It's always just after Thanksgiving and it's always a highlight for the American Girls.

It's probably unprecedented in American skiing that two ladies are among the favorites to capture the over-all World Cup title.   LINDSEY VONN has been there done that.  She's the most decorated American ski racer of all time and is vying for the most World Cup Globes (trophies) of anyone, ever.  

At the U.S. Ski Team Press conference, Lindsey seemed supremely confident.   She said "travelling with globes is easier when you don't have to fly with them"  in reference to next season's World Cup Finals in Aspen.   She also admitted that she built a new trophy case that leaves room for a few more globes.

MIKAELA SHIFFRIN the 20 year old darling of American Skiing is also in the running for the overall championship.  She's the clear favorite in Slalom.  She's always a top seed in GS and now she's adding the speed events to her repertoire.

Veteran free spirit Resi Steigler and new ladies coach Paul Kristofic also participated in the presser...along with a whole slew of AVSC Groms.

When the fastest chicks on sticks hit Aspen...you know it's ski season.   Let's Ride!!

SiiiiiiCK PIX from Aspen World Cup.

 AspenSpin documented all the events for Winternational 2011.  Day and Night, 24/7 we are out their snapping and rapping. 

Click the pix..u may enjoy them.

Fast Chicks in Aspen Aspen Winternational 2011

Chicks on Sticks (more from the World Cup Races)

Ski Tuner's Ball (and other Tales from the Night)

Bucket Shots:  Steps to the Gondola