SAN VIGILIO DI MAREBBE, Italy (AP) — Lakeville native Paula Moltzan had never finished on the podium of a giant slalom at a World Cup event. That trend looked unlikely to reverse itself Tuesday in Italy. Moltzan was in 10th place. But Moltzan threw down the second-fastest second-run time Tuesday. That, paired with a few falls from racers in front of her in the standings, lifted the 30 year old to a bronze medal. “I just wanted to give it my all and see what would happen,” Moltzan said. “I think sitting in 10th after first run, well it’s a tough place to move up from. And so when I had the green light at the end, I was like, I’m going to move up a couple. United States’ Paula Moltzan speeds down the course during an alpine ski, women’s World Cup Giant Slalom, in Plan de Corones, Italy, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Marco Trovati) “But to move onto the podium — obviously with some pretty big mistakes from really top athletes, really sad to see them go out — I’m so proud of this year and on the hill today.” It was a similar story for Alice Robinson, who’s electric second run lifted her to the title after two of the biggest stars failed to finish. With overall leader Federica Brignone and Olympic champion Sara Hector out of the running, there was a new face on the top step of the GS podium for the first time this season after Robinson finished 0.56 seconds ahead of Swiss skier Lara Gut-Behrami and 0.94 ahead of Moltzan. It was Robinson’s fourth World Cup victory but the New Zealand skier’s first in nearly four years. “I’m really quite speechless,” a tearful Robinson said. “Four years since I last won. And there were definitely some times in those four years where I wasn’t sure if I was going to win again. So to be back and winning here it’s just so special … it’s just a lot. “The second run I just really wanted to be brave and ski on the limit and I’m really proud of that.” Robinson, fifth fastest in the first run, charged down the steep Erta course again at the Kronplatz resort and faced an anxious wait to see if her advantage would hold out. Hector, who led the discipline standings, left third to last and lost her balance near the top, crashing straight into a gate and sliding into the side-netting. The Swedish skier let out a yell of annoyance but was on her feet quickly. There were even bigger gasps of shock when first-run leader Brignone skied out at almost the same point. Brignone and Hector each won two of the previous four GS races this season. Robinson moved to the top of the GS standings, four points above Hector and 100 above Brignone. Moltzan is now seventh in the GS standings and 14th overall, making her the top American in each respect. Brignone still leads the overall standings after two wins and two third-place finishes in her previous four races. But her latest mistake in GS saw her overall lead trimmed to 55 points by defending champion Gut-Behrami. “I know it’s impossible to make the whole season as I did these last four races. I’m just so sorry because in GS I’m skiing really good and I’m making mistakes — it’s the third race on five that I’m out and this is kind of making me crazy,” Brignone said. “It’s just a shame.”Related Articles Olympics | Skiing: Lindsey Vonn remains patient after suffering fall in competition Olympics | Minnesota’s World Juniors will be ‘a celebration of everybody,’ says USA Hockey chief Olympics | LA’s Olympic venues were spared by wildfires, but the city’s rebuild could impact the Games’ runup Olympics | Interview: Lindsey Vonn plans to retire again after racing at the Olympics in 2026 Olympics | Lindsey Vonn sore, still set to race this weekend in Italy after crash in practice