Driving snow and thick fog didn't stop Pernilla Wiberg from powering through a World Cup slalom course Saturday for her third victory this season.
Leading by .3 seconds after the first run, Wiberg relied on her excellent physical shape to master the challenging conditions of the second run and finish well ahead of her opponents."I was a little worried after the first run when I found out they had decided to invert the first 30 racers, but now I can say that I am happy," Wiberg said.
The Swede was the last skier to leave the start house in the second run after organizers decided to reverse the starting sequence of the first 30 racers rather than only the first 15, as is done when conditions are poor.
In addition to the rough course, it started snowing heavily just as Wiberg came down the run.
Floodlights, usually reserved for night races, were lit to improve visibility during both runs.
The defending world champion in the discipline, Wiberg already had won one slalom this season.
"I set a goal for myself this year and that is to win the World Cup slalom title," Wiberg said.
An all-event skier, Wiberg also has won a super-G race this season.
In Saturday's slalom, Wiberg had a combined time of 1 minute, 44.55 seconds, nearly .8 seconds ahead of Slovenia's Urska Hrovat. It was her 15th career win.
Hrovat, the local favorite, who was buoyed by the wildly cheering crowd, held onto her second position of the first run.
"I wish I could have given the crowd a victory," Hrovat said. "But this is my best result this season and I am extremely happy."
Hrovat, who finished fourth in Friday's giant slalom, wept as she stood on the podium alongside her mother, who also cried from joy.
Italy's Lara Magoni was third, her best result since first joining the World Cup circuit in 1987. Magoni broke out in tears when she realized she had made the podium.
"I can't believe it, I can't understand it," a surprised Magoni said. "I have never been on the podium before."
Her best result prior to Saturday was a fourth in a giant slalom in 1993.
Austrian Elfi Eder, winner of last year's World Cup slalom title, finished fourth.
With her win, Wiberg consolidated her lead in both the World Cup slalom and overall standings.