Former ski racer Christian Neureuther praised slalom specialist Linus Straßer highly after his surprising victory in Kitzbühel.
“There are many slaloms that are nice to win – but this one is outstanding,” the 74-year-old told dpa. Neureuther senior himself won on the legendary Ganslernhang in 1979 – it was one of his six World Cup successes. Ten years ago, Neureuther’s son Felix also won in Kitzbühel. Both were there live in the stadium for Straßer’s triumph.
“This victory is extremely important for German ski racing,” explained Christian Neureuther. “It’s good when an athlete comes into focus like that.” Strasser’s performance in the second round particularly impressed the former ski star. “The safety and stability with which he drove down there – you are a really, really great guy.”
Straßer lives in Kirchberg, not far from the Tyrolean ski resort. He once learned to ski on the Ganslernhang and competed in his first races. “It’s just nice how some things come together in Kitzbühel,” commented Neureuther. For Straßer it was the third victory in a World Cup slalom and the first podium finish in the most important slalom race of the World Cup.