Rebensburg takes gold in opening giant slalom World Cup of season

The 28-year-old Bavarian, overall giant slalom champion in 2011 and 2012, clocked runs of 55.90 and 59.30 on the alpine slopes to secure her 12th career race victory in the discipline – putting her eighth in the all-time standings.

It was the German's second giant slalom victory in Soelden after winning on the same slopes seven years ago – her first ever World Cup victory.

"It's a great result and it makes me really happy," Rebensburg said. "I like steep pitches and Soelden certainly has that."

French skier Tessa Worley claimed runner-up spot, finishing just 0.14 seconds overall behind her German counterpart after an opening run of 56.21 and a second effort of 59.30.

Italian Manuela Moelgg registered the fastest opening run - a speedy 55.57 putting her atop the standings.

However, a final run of 1:00.16 saw her finish third overall and take bronze.

Overall champion Mikaela Shiffrin had been lying second after the opening run but struggled on her second, nearly skiing out before finishing fifth, 0.74 seconds off Rebensburg's winning time.