Before the German ski racers start their short Christmas break, there are still two highlights on the program for the technical aces: the night slaloms in Courchevel and Madonna di Campiglio. Linus Straßer and Lena Dürr expect a podium finish.
Linus Straßer is likely to be particularly motivated these days. There are several reasons for this. After the botched start to the season, the Munich native is looking to make amends at the traditional night slalom in Madonna di Campiglio, Italy, on Friday (from 5:40 p.m. on the BR live stream and in the Sportschau live ticker).
Good memories of Madonna di Campiglio
Ninth place in Gurgl a month ago was unsatisfactory, especially because Straßer ruined his chance of getting on the podium with two serious mistakes: First, an inside ski error cost him a lot of time, and in the second run he even had to put his skis sideways . The 31-year-old has already proven several times in his career that he has what it takes to reach the top spots.
This was also the case almost exactly a year ago, when he finished third on the famous Canalone Miramonti piste in Madonna di Campiglio. It cannot be ruled out that Straßer’s thoughts were somewhere else at the time. After all, his daughter had recently been born. But perhaps it was precisely this additional push that propelled him onto the podium with two error-free runs.
Straßer delivers promising preparation
This time there were no fatherly joys, but that doesn’t change Strasser’s motivation. Especially since the preparation was promising. In order to gain racing experience, he took part in the European Cup in Pozzo di Fassa (Italy). A self-described “difficult race“, where he managed to impress with second place.
The entourage from the German Ski Association (DSV) then stayed in South Tyrol and trained under “top conditions“In case of an emergency on Friday. Straßer is looking forward to the upcoming task with corresponding positivity.”I’m fine, I’m healthy and I’m now looking forward to the race in Madonna.“In addition to him, the DSV is sending three other athletes into the race: Sebastian Holzmann (SC Oberstdorf), Fabian Himmelsbach (SC Sonthofen) and Anton Tremmel (SC Rottach-Egern).
Who will slip into the “Maglia Fulmine”?
However, there will be other favorites to win. Above all, Manuel Feller, who won the only slalom race so far in a first third of the season that was marked by weather-related cancellations, ahead of his Austrian compatriots Marco Schwarz and Michael Matt. Last year’s winners Daniel Yule (Switzerland) and Henrik Kristofferson (Norway) are also among the contenders for the coveted “Maglia Fulmine” jersey at the traditional pre-Christmas event, which stands out in the technical drivers’ calendar not only because of its special atmosphere under floodlights and in front of thousands of spectators.
The steep slope in Madonna di Campiglio is one of the most demanding in the World Cup circuit and requires maximum concentration from the athletes, but also technical skills and the necessary speed. All things that Straßer can conjure up in the snow on a good day. And the world’s best have known that night slaloms suit him since his sensational triumph at the night race in Schladming in January 2022. A top placing again is anything but impossible.
Dürr starts as one of the favorites in Courchevel
Speaking of top placement. While Straßer is still working towards his first podium this season, Lena Dürr has already delivered. The 32-year-old from SV Germering has already made it onto the podium in two out of three races. She also came fourth once. The reward: second place in the discipline ranking behind US star Mikael Shiffrin. It’s no wonder that Dürr is starting at the slalom in Courchevel, France on Thursday (from 5:45 p.m. in the Sportschau live ticker) as one of the favorites alongside Shiffrin, Petra Vlhova (Slovakia) and Sara Hector (Sweden).
The anticipation is correspondingly great. “II’m looking forward to the race in Courchevel, especially because it’s a night slalom. I really enjoy it because it’s always a very special atmosphere to drive under floodlights” Dürr looked ahead. Added to this are the more than positive memories of the World Cup location. At the World Cup in February this year she won her first World Cup individual medal with bronze. “Since last year and the World Cup, I have had good memories of Courchevel. The World Cup was really a very special one.“
Dürr wants to “attack and drive actively”
Regardless of this, there is great respect for the slopes. “The race will certainly be a challenge again“Believes Dürr, the route”in very good, hard condition” expected. Their simple motto: “Attack from the first gate and drive actively.“What has proven itself at the first two World Cup stages should also carry it forward this time. Then even the big hit is possible. Dürr now knows what that feels like after her premiere triumph in January in Špindlerův Mlýn .
Aicher comes with me Confidence
In addition to Dürr, Emma Aicher (SC Mahlstetten), Andrea Filser (SV Wildsteig) and Jessica Hilzinger (SC Oberstdorf) complete the DSV quartet in the French Alps. All-rounder Aicher in particular should start with plenty of self-confidence after her excellent recent performances in the downhill and super-G.
According to national coach Andreas Puelacher, the highly talented 20-year-old still has a lot of room for improvement in the slalom, which was also reflected in the previous slalom races with 23rd place as her best result. The potential for regular top ten places is also there in this discipline. For Filser and Hilzinger, qualifying for the second run should already be seen as a successful result.