Laura Pirovano secured her first victory in the Alpine Ski World Cup at Val di Fassa

Laura Pirovano won the first of the two women's Downhill races in Val di Fassa today, celebrating her first Alpine Ski World Cup victory and podium. The 28-year-old Italian ski triumphed by the narrowest of margins, just 0.01 seconds ahead of Germany's Emma Aicher. Downhill Olympic champion Breezy Johnson finished in third place, 0.29 seconds behind.

Pirovano has finished in the Top 10 in every downhill race this winter season. A ninth place in Soldeu last weekend was his worst result.

"I couldn't believe it, it's simply a wonderful day. I skied well, attacked in every gate. I haven't really grasped it all yet. I've always finished fifth or sixth, and I didn't do much differently today. Emma congratulated me and simply said: Finally. I've been so close so many times, but now I've made it. I'm so happy," Pirovano said.

The battle for the Downhill crystal Globe is now open following the injury of American skier Lindsey Vonn, who currently leads the standings with 400 points. With two Downhill races remaining, Emma Aicher, who finished second today, has reduced the gap to just 14 points (386 points). Laura Pirovano is in third place with 336 points, while Aicher's teammate, Kira Weidle-Winkelmann follows closely in fourth with 306 points.

Emma Aicher (994 points) has made notable progress in the Overall standings, now trailing Mikaela Shiffrin (1133) by 139 points with two speed races scheduled over the next two days. Camille Rast is now in third place with 963 points.