Shiffrin bounces back with Aspen slalom win

Reigning world and Olympic champion Mikaela Shiffrin bounced back a day after botching a victory by taking an Alpine Ski World Cup women's slalom crown Saturday on home snow.

The 20-year-old American opened her quest for a fourth consecutive World Cup slalom crown by winning in a two-run combined time of 1min, 39.81secs.

Slovakian Veronika Velez Zuzulova was second, 3.07 seconds behind, with Sweden's Frida Hansdotter third in 1:43.07.

On Friday, Shiffrin led after the opening giant slalom run and was ahead in the final run before a late stumble three gates from the finish cost her a triumph.

"Yesterday I went back to my hotel room. I watched my run. I was thinking, "What were you doing?'" Shiffrin said.

"It was one of a million chances. You have to learn the hard way, the disappointment hurts you or drives you. I decided it will be the second.

"I am known for consistency. It makes me so mad. This mistake is unexcusable. I won't do it again."

Shiffrin, who was second in the season-opening giant slalom in Austria, bounced back to seize command in the opening run Saturday, setting the pace in 48.01 seconds with Velez Zuzulova a distant second 1.38 seconds back.

"I managed to channel my anger," Shiffrin said. "I was very nervous. It was the first slalom of the season. Keep the fight, use this anger, take some risks and it did pay off."

Shiffrin took the overall World Cup points lead with 180 points to 160 for Italy's Federica Brignone and 150 for Swiss Lara Gut, who took Friday's win after Shiffrin faltered.

Now, Shiffrin said, the challenge is to keep the inspiration and fire.

"I don't have this anger tomorrow," she said. "I have to keep this mentality.

"It's a fresh start for everybody. The other racers won't let me get away with three seconds each race. They will be fighting."

Zuzulova was thrilled at her start, crediting her training with the French squad with having pushed her to build her speed and confidence to higher levels.

"I'm very happy with the result, my best start of a season ever," Zuzulova said.

"It's nice to train with the French girls. It's challenging. I feel I am getting better and more confident."

Source: AFP