09:57
Best conditions
The conditions in Levi are perfect. It’s freezing cold and the wind won’t have any influence on the race. ÖSV technical trainer Klaus Mayrhofer set the course for the first round. He made the line quickly, especially on the steep slopes, and will certainly challenge the athletes on the first day of the slalom season.
09:52
Holdener opened
Opening the race is Wendy Holdener from Switzerland, who wants to compete for the top places again this year. She also still has a score to settle with Levi. Although she has already made it onto the podium four times in Lapland, she has never been at the top. Michelle Gisin (17) has set her focus differently. The Engelberg resident concentrates on the speed disciplines and has reduced her slalom training. You can also be excited about Camille Rast (26), who is always good for surprises. Elena Stoffel (28), Melanie Meillard (30), Nicole Good (39), Selina Egloff (63) and Lorina Zelger (72) will complete the eight-person team in the first round.
09:47
How close are ÖSV women?
Get closer to the expanded world leadership in technical disciplines. That was the goal of the Austrian women’s team, which suffered many defeats last year. Katharina Liensberger in particular had a difficult 2022 and will be eager to bounce back. She starts the race today in 21st place. Katharina Troupe will be the first ÖSV starter to start the race in ninth place. In addition to them, Franziska Gritsch (16) should also be taken into account from an Austrian perspective. Katharina Gallhuber (27), Katharina Huber (29), Stephanie Brunner (41), Marie-Therese Sporer (51) as well as Lisa Hörhager (52) and Nina Astner (77) complete the usual large line-up.
09:44
Dürr leads the German team
The German team, which like many other nations has been training in Levi for a few days, is of course led by Lena Dürr (5), who will be hoping for a good start to the season. The slope in the far north suits her: in Levi she came third twice in 2021 and fourth twice in 2022. Jessica Hilzinger (22) is also back after a training accident. The 26-year-old technical specialist arrived on Wednesday and after a training session they decided together that she was ready to take part in the World Cup. Emma Aicher (24) also secured a starting place in the top 30 in 2022 thanks to good performances. Before her first World Cup, Elina Lipp (76) is on SC Oberstdorf. She had already completed summer preparation with the team. The team is completed by Andrea Filser (42).
09:39
Two athletes with a strong Lapland record
Mikaela Shiffrin has strong stats in Levi. Shiffrin has already celebrated a total of six victories on the slopes in her career, which shows that the slope in Levi suits her well. Petra Vlhová’s Lapland record is similarly impressive. The reigning Olympic slalom champion has triumphed five times and achieved four more podium places.
09:36
Shiffrin aims for the eighth ball
Of course, Mikaela Shiffrin starts the slalom season as the big favorite. The American has already won the small crystal ball for the best slalom rider seven times in her career and was also the strongest athlete in the narrow forest of poles last winter. However, the competitors have come closer and, in addition to long-term rival Petra Vlhová from Slovakia, the Swiss Wendy Holdener and Lena Dürr from the German squad also have to be taken into account. Swenn-Larsson from Sweden would certainly also like to get involved.
09:22
Good morning!
After the season opened two weeks ago with the giant slalom in Sölden, the winter for slalom skiers begins today in Levi. The first round starts at 10:00 a.m. The final round will follow at 1:00 p.m.