It is not yet clear whether the third attempt at the downhill premiere on the Matterhorn will also fall victim to the weather conditions. However, the favorites are clear: the small crystal ball.
After the men’s speed opening on the Matterhorn fell into the water – or rather into the snow – the women’s first downhill run of this winter is scheduled to take place next weekend.
This time too there is still a question mark over the race after the first and third training sessions were canceled due to weather. But the favorites this winter are clear.
Goggia wants to defend her title again
The high favorite is Sofia Goggia. The Italian won the small crystal ball in the downhill – for the third time in a row. Last winter she finished on the podium eight times. She was even at the top in five races.
She showed at the World Cup in St. Moritz that little stops her. One day after breaking her hand in the first race, she rode to victory with her hand operated on with screws and plates.
In 2018 she won the Olympic victory in Pyeongchang – in the downhill, of course. Although the 31-year-old also competes in other disciplines, downhill is clearly her hobby.
Is it enough for comeback queen Stuhec to reach the top?
The Slovenian Ilka Stuhec finished the last downhill season in second place behind Goggia. She made it onto the podium four times. In Cortina d’Ampezzo and at the World Cup finals in Soldeu, no one was faster than her.
The 33-year-old had to fight back. In 2017 she literally flew through the season and from World Cup victory to World Cup victory. She was unbeatable a total of seven times. She made it onto the podium six more times. In St. Moritz she was crowned downhill world champion.
Elena Stuhec (center) during her victory in Soldeu
But then the shock. In October 2017, the high-flyer tore her cruciate ligament during training. She missed the entire 2018 season and also the Olympics. In 2019 she was back and defended her world title in Åre. This time too, the joy was suddenly interrupted. In the first World Cup race after her triumph, the woman from Maribor fell and tore her cruciate ligament again.
Last year she found her old form again and now wants to be dangerous for Sofia Goggia too.
Home game to start for Corinne Suter
And last winter’s third place also wants to have a say in the title. The Swiss Corinne Suter will start the season with a home game – should the race take place on the Matterhorn.
Last season she was unable to celebrate a downhill victory, but she was a regular guest on the podium. Among other things, it was enough to win bronze at the World Championships in Courchevel. But their flagship discipline is the Super-G.
Weidle, Curtoni and Gut-Behrami with Aussexpand opportunities
Suter’s compatriot Lara Gut-Behrami, who won the start of the giant slalom in Sölden this winter and the overall World Cup in Super-G last season, is also among the extended favorites, as is the Italian Elena Curtoni, who finished fourth last winter finished in the downhill ranking.
Germany’s Kira Weidle had a disappointing last season and is looking to attack again this winter. Who can pose a threat to the big three could become apparent at the start on the Matterhorn – if it can take place.