Despite the ongoing criticism of the early date: As always, the Alpine Ski World Cup begins in Sölden at the end of October with a giant slalom for women and men.
The final will take place in Saalbach-Hinterglemm, the World Cup location for 2025 – it will be held over two weekends for the first time (March 16/17 and March 22/23, 2024).
Which Germans start in Sölden?
Parallel world champion Alexander Schmid is still in retraining after a torn cruciate ligament, Stefan Luitz is injured, which is why the German Ski Association is only sending a mini team to the start. Emma Aicher is driving for the women, Anton Grammel, Fabian Gratz and Jonas Stockinger for the men.
Why is there criticism of Sölden?
For years, athletes have been calling for the start of the season to be postponed for sporting reasons and with a view to climate change – without success. In addition, this summer the organizers in Sölden used excavators to work on and smooth the racing slope, which is also used for public skiing. That was necessary, the Söldeners claim: “maintenance work”.
How many races are there?
Because there will be no World Cup or Olympic Games this winter: more than last winter. The women are scheduled to hold a total of 45 races at 22 locations, the men also 45 at 21 locations.
Do you drive in Germany?
Yes, in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The men will compete in a Super-G there on January 27th and 28th, 2024, while the women will compete in a downhill and a Super-G on February 3rd and 4th.
What’s new?
Canceled last year, this time it should work: Downhill skiers are opening their season on the Matterhorn. The route leads from Switzerland to Cervinia, Italy; the races for men (November 11th and 12th) and women (November 18th and 19th) are a prestige project of the controversial world association president Johan Eliasch.
What else has changed?
There are no longer any parallel races, and a combination will no longer be held. A mixture of combination and team competition, which was tried out at the Junior World Championships and was supposed to celebrate its premiere in the World Cup in Kitzbühel, was canceled again. And, as already mentioned: For the first time, the finale will not be raced from Wednesday to Sunday, but rather over two weekends: First, the giant slalom and slalom will be raced, followed a week later by the super-G and downhill.
Who will win the overall World Cup?
It would be a big surprise if Mikaela Shiffrin (USA) and Marco Odermatt (Switzerland) did not repeat their overall victory from last winter.
What are the Germans’ chances?
DSV sports director Wolfgang Maier hopes for as many podium finishes as possible, but the candidates for this are rather few and far between. Lena Dürr achieved her first slalom victory in the World Cup last winter and then won bronze at the World Championships – she is always good for a podium finish. Kira Weidle has the potential to do this on the descent, but rarely exploits it. For the men, Thomas Dreßen is working on his return to the top of the world, Linus Straßer is always a candidate for a top 3 result in the slalom. And Alexander Schmid first has to make his comeback after a torn cruciate ligament.
Who broadcasts on television and the Internet?
ARD, BR and ZDF report on linear television as usual. The races are also available on the Internet stream from “Sportschau” and “Sportstudio”.