While Mikaela Shiffrin has tasted unprecedented success at the ongoing Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup 2023/24, boyfriend Aleksander Kilde has done well to catch up with the snowy slopes queen. He has produced a couple of strong runs and finished on the podium more than once. As the men’s World Cup entered Italy, the 28-year-old hoped to win his first race of the season.

But as soon as the race kicked off on the bumpy, icy slopes in Bormio, Italy, his hopes were erased in the snow. While Mikaela Shiffrin touched another feat in Women’s Giant Slalom, the Norwegian faced an unfortunate end while skiing down the slope.

Aleksander Kilde faces an adverse outcome at the Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup

Skiing on the Stelvio World Cup course in Bormio Italy, Aleksander Kilde was looking to secure another downhill victory under his name. While Shiffrin continues to march on towards her 100th, the downhill specialist didn’t close at today’s Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup 2023/24 downhill race. He, along with several other skiers, faced major issues on the ‘icy’ terrain.

Kilde had to quit his run after his ski struck a rock, and got damaged. Speaking with the media after the race, he expressed, “The inside of the left ski had quite some rips in it. Then it’s impossible to ski Bormio because it’s so icy. Every time I went on the edge, it slid away“. Last year on the same track, the 31-year-old had finished 3rd on the podium and will have to wait for another year now to secure the victory.

On the other hand, the race saw an exhilarating finish as French skier Cyprien Sarrazin emerged victorious. He edged out the World Champion Marco Odermatt by just 0.09 seconds to end France’s eight-year wait. While it was an unfortunate end to what could have become a memorable day for the couple, Kilde would surely be happy as Shiffrin closes down the gap towards a 100th World Cup victory.

Mikaela Shiffrin closes down on the ultimate target

The 2023 World Cup season has brought many glories to the alpine skiing legend Mikaela Shiffrin. While Kilde faced an impediment, the Olympic champion emerged victorious at the Giant Slalom race in Lienz, Austria, securing the 92nd victory of her illustrious World Cup sojourn. The 28-year-old made a perfect first run and continued the momentum in the second run.

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Shiffrin edged out Italian specialist Federica Brignone by a massive 0.38 seconds, further strengthening her overall lead in the competition. It marked the fourth victory of the season for Shiffrin, who would surely have kept an eye on Kilde’s race in Italy. With another Super-G still on the line, the couple, especially Kilde, would hope to cap off a memorable season tomorrow.

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