It is the last World Cup for Alpine skiers this year: But Linus Straßer did not achieve a positive end to the year at the slalom in Alta Badia. The man from Munich crossed the finish line with a big gap. After the first run, Norwegian Timon Haugan leads.
The slope in Alta Badia was in significantly better condition than the day before during the giant slalom. The Gran Risa is icy – Linus Straßer actually likes that, but the piste wasn’t particularly difficult. But the Munich native likes challenges. Straßer’s first run was solid, but he made a mistake in the lower part. He was 2.58 seconds behind the leader Haugan.
Straßer: “You get presented with the bill in a tough way”
The season just hasn’t been going well for Straßer so far: he only finished in the points at the start in Levi. In Gurgl he missed the final and in Val d’Isere he was eliminated. Last winter he won the prestigious slaloms in Kitzbühel and Schladming. He was considered the big favorite for the Slalom World Cup. “It’s self-confidence. If you lack a little bit of that, then the ultimate consequence is missing.”said Straßer in the Sportschau interview. And he added: “That’s how competitive sport is – you’re presented with a tough bill. I just don’t ride freely. I notice that myself.“Straßer goes into the second race in 18th place.
Anton Tremmel just made it to the final in 30th place (+3.12). The Bavarian opens the second round. Adrian Meisen, however, was eliminated.
Norwegian Timon Haugan had a dream run in the first round. His recipe for success: “Simply skiing – that’s the key to success.” His compatriot Atle Lie McGrath is in second place (+0.31). Third is Clement Noel (+0.99). The Frenchman returned to the World Cup after ankle problems. The second round starts at 1:30 p.m.