Time for a classic in the Ski World Cup: The best giant and slalom skiers in the world will compete on Schladming’s Planai from Tuesday (January 28, 2025 in the live stream).
Who are the slalom favorites in Schladming?
Also taking part in the slalom is Linus Straßer, a German favorite who has recently shown improving form after a weak start to the World Cup winter. His closest competitors are probably the current leader in the overall standings, Henrik Kristoffersen from Norway, as well as the Frenchman Clement Noel and Loic Meillard from Switzerland. Lucas Braathen, who has started for Brazil this winter, would also like to dance to victory on the Planai.
Does Straßer make the Schladming triple perfect?
Straßer, who drives for TSV 1860 Munich, has already won the night slalom on the Planai in Schladming twice. He loves the unique atmosphere at the “Night Race”. “Skiing is a brutal sport. I’m really enjoying it right now. They are mostly runs where you have to go all-in. I was able to implement that very well.”said the Munich native after his victorious run in 2022. The 32-year-old was also at the top of the podium last year. He is aiming for his third victory on the Planai in 2025. Does Straßer perfect his personal Schladming triple?
1997 first night race in Schladming
On January 30, 1997, a night slalom was held in Schladming for the first time. The Italian ski racer Alberto Tomba won at the premiere in front of 27,000 spectators; it was the start of a success story. Over the past 26 years, the “Night Race” on the Planai has developed into one of the most spectacular races in the Ski World Cup, attracting up to 50,000 spectators to Schladming every year.
Speedster causes confusion at Schladming Slalom
The speedster Kinsey Wolanski, who wanted to remember the late basketball idol Kobe Bryant in 2020, stole the show from the skiers and interrupted the run of the racer Alex Vinatzer. The South Tyrolean was still behind at the last split time in the second run of the night slalom in Schladming, but at the finish he was suddenly ahead with a big lead. While Vinatzer was still very happy and could hardly believe it, most of the almost 50,000 spectators had seen what had really happened:
Wolanski, scantily dressed, had crossed the finish line a little ahead of Vinatzer and thus triggered the timing prematurely. “RIP Kobe” was written on a poster that she held up in memory of the basketball player Kobe Bryant who died in an accident. The woman was taken into custody, the South Tyrolean ended up sixth.
Spectators throw snowballs at Kristoffersen
The spectators caused further excitement. At the 2018 edition, Henrik Kristoffersen’s ride was hindered by spectators who threw snowballs at the Norwegian during his run. According to Kristoffersen, they didn’t hit him, but they still affected him. “Of course you try to concentrate on the course, but it’s quite difficult when something comes your way”Kristoffersen, who came second behind Marcel Hirscher, was annoyed. The winner also condemned the action: “It’s very unfunny, very uncool and very unfair. Out of 50,000 people there are just five half-funny people who think they’re super classy.”
Felix Neureuther’s hand kisses for the fans
After Felix Neureuther finished eighth in 2019, there were many indications that this was the last appearance of the former racer and current sports show winter sports expert at the night slalom in Schladming. At the finish, he thanked his fans with bows and kisses.
Felix Neureuther has many memories with Schladming. At the 2013 World Ski Championships he fought for the gold medal with his friend Marcel Hirscher – and won silver. Due to his fairness and always friendly manner, the Bavarian is welcomed throughout Austria as the “favorite German”. “The people are crazy. I don’t know why some people like me here. But I love them too”says Felix Neureuther about the Austrians.
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Source: Blickpunkt Sport
January 29, 2025 – 8:15 p.m
