Pole-less Goggia takes first season win in St. Moritz as Shiffrin finishes third

Sofia Goggia lost a ski pole in the latter stages of her run, but it didn't stop her from clinching a seventh career World Cup win at the Super-G event in St. Moritz, Switzerland.

The PyeongChang 2018 gold medallist led an Italian 1-2 as she finished 0.01 seconds ahead of compatriot Federica Brignone.

In a very tight race, Mikaela Shiffrin was only 0.13 seconds behind Goggia to reach her sixth podium in eight races so far, in pursuit of a fourth overall title.

The American now tops the general standings with 532 points. The result in Switzerland extended her lead over Viktoria Rebensburg, sixth today and overall second, with 261 points.

Shiffrin will be the favourite in Sunday's parallel slalom after winning last year's event.

The double Olympic champion had also looked up at two Italians on the podium two weeks ago, when she finished third in the home Giant Slalom in Killington, behind winner Marta Bassino and Brignone in second.

“They are all great skiers and they have a really aggressive mindset” the American said about the rivals.

Goggia put on her best performance after a disappointing start to season: a sixth place in downhill had been her best result so far, while she failed to finish the last Super-G event in Lake Louise, Canada.

"I've never won without a ski pole. I lost it when I landed a jump because I was so focused to stand up and keep the line that I lost the control of my hands," the 2019 world silver medallist said.

"It's another beautiful double for the Italian team, the atmosphere in the team is very positive," added Goggia, who won her first Super-G event since March 2018.