Italy's Brignone wins World Cup giant slalom, earns 1st victory for her team in Austrian event since 2002

Federica Brignone held on to her opening-run lead at a women's World Cup giant slalom on Saturday in Austria, becoming the first Italian winner of the Semmering event in 22 years.

Brignone could even afford a mistake near the end of her second run as she defeated Olympic GS champion Sara Hector by 0.57 seconds.

Alice Robinson of New Zealand was nine-tenths of a second off the pace in third.

Canada's Valérie Grenier finished just off the podium in fourth place. The 28-year-old from St. Isidore, Ont., was 0.94 seconds behind Brignone.

"It was not easy the second run, but the slope was amazing," said Brignone, who earned her 14th career win in GS but had not been on the podium here before. "I really wanted it, I'm so happy. It's been a tough race but I felt really good, I wanted to fight and I was not too stressed."

WATCH l Brignone captures 2nd World Cup giant slalom title of season:

Italy's Federica Brignone captures 2nd World Cup giant slalom title of season

In the absence of the injured Mikaela Shiffrin, Paula Moltzan was the leading American racer, trailing Brignone by 1.11 in fifth, matching her best result in giant slalom.

Lindsey Vonn, who made her return to World Cup racing in Switzerland last week, only competes in the speed events of downhill and super-G.

No Italian skier had won the race near the Austrian capital of Vienna since Karen Putzer triumphed in 2002. The race in Semmering is held every two years.

At 34 years and five months, Brignone improved the record she already held as the oldest race winner in women's World Cup history.

"I would like to beat my record once again, maybe in the season," the Italian skier said. "I've made a Christmas and New Year's present, amazing!"

WATCH l Grenier narrowly