Nicol Delago Secures Maiden World Cup Downhill Victory on Home Snow in Tarvisio

Historic Win in Tarvisio

Italian alpine skier Nicol Delago achieved a significant milestone in her career on Saturday, January 17, 2026, by securing her first World Cup downhill victory. Competing on home snow in Tarvisio, Italy, the 30-year-old athlete delivered a winning run despite challenging foggy conditions. Her triumph marks a pivotal moment for the Italian team as the Milan Cortina Winter Games approach.

Delago, who hails from Val Gardena, clocked an impressive time of 1:46.28. This performance placed her 0.20 seconds ahead of Germany's Kira Weidle-Winkelmann, who finished in second place. Veteran American skier Lindsey Vonn secured the third spot on the podium, just 0.26 seconds behind Delago.

Challenging Conditions and Strong Performances

The race at Tarvisio, which hosted a World Cup event for the first time in 15 years, was characterized by thick fog that obscured the middle section of the course, impacting visibility for many competitors. Delago, wearing bib number three, had previously shown strong form by leading the final training session on Friday.

Lindsey Vonn's third-place finish continued her remarkable season, marking her fifth podium in five downhill races and further extending her lead in the downhill standings. Delago's younger sister, Nadia Delago, a bronze medalist in downhill at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, also competed, finishing in 10th place.

Olympic Outlook for Milan Cortina 2026

Delago's maiden World Cup victory provides a significant boost to the Italian alpine ski team with the Milan Cortina Winter Games set to commence on February 6, 2026. The women's alpine events during the home Olympics will take place in Cortina d'Ampezzo. Delago's dominant performance positions her as a strong contender and a likely inclusion for the Italian speed team at the upcoming Games.