French win in first race of the day

Conditions were almost idyllic on Sunday for the first European Cup downhill in Crans-Montana. Despite a few centimetres of fresh snow overnight, the Mont Lachaux piste was in perfect condition and ready to welcome athletes for the first race on Sunday morning, as well as a second downhill at 11am.

Heralded as one of the favourites and on her best ever form, Karen Clément won in style. Having just won the Super-G at La Thuile in the European Cup, the 25-year-old did it again on Sunday, leaving Ester Ledecka 0.27 behind her. The Czech double Olympic champion in 2018 (in super-G and parallel giant slalom in snowboarding) was very confident. Austria’s Nadine Fest took third place, her 33rd European Cup podium.

The Swiss finished a little further behind. Stephanie Jenal took a nice 7th place in her first race on the Valais piste this year, after Saturday's race was cancelled. Janine Schmitt (11th), Noémie Kolly (12th) and Delia Durrer (13th) also made the top 15.

In front of a devoted crowd, a tired Malorie Blanc from Ayent couldn’t find the best line, and had to make do with a respectable 21st place. Laura Huber (29th) and Elena Sanna Stucki (30th) also scored points.