It was the last World Cup for the slalom skiers this year: But for Linus Straßer, the race in Alta Badia was not forgiving. The Munich player was eliminated in the second round. Norwegian Timon Haugan confidently secured victory.
The slope in Alta Badia was in significantly better condition on Monday (December 23, 2024) than the day before during the giant slalom. The “Gran Risa” was 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”
Straßer started the second run in 18th place. And the 32-year-old was much more active. The Munich driver drove aggressively and riskily – too risky, because he retired shortly before the finish. Straßer still has to wait for a sense of success: he only finished in the points at the start in Levi. In Gurgl he missed the final and in Val d’Isere he was also 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 BR interview after the first run. 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.“
It’s not fun. There aren’t many options other than continuing.
Haugan wins confidently
With a dream run in the first round, Norwegian Timon Haugan laid the foundation for his second World Cup victory. His recipe for success: “Simply skiing – that’s the key to success.” Despite a few mistakes in the final, he ended up 1.13 seconds ahead of the Swiss Loic Meillard, who fought his way from place to the podium. Haugan’s compatriot Atle Lie McGrath came third (+ 1.26 seconds).
Tremmel collects his first World Cup points
Anton Tremmel just made it to the final in 30th place. The man from Tegernsee showed a solid second round and improved to 25th place (+ 4.32 seconds) and collected his first World Cup points this season. Nevertheless, Tremmel was not satisfied with: “Overall, it doesn’t add up. There’s a lack of confidence in myself.”said the 30-year-old. The third German starter, Adrian Meisen, did not make it to the finish in the first run.