The German ski team is heading into the first World Cup weekend of the new Alpine season with a mini squad.
In the women’s giant slalom in Sölden, Austria, 19-year-old Emma Aicher will be the only German starter next Saturday. Anton Grammel, Fabian Gratz and Jonas Stockinger will be taking to the slopes for the German Ski Association (DSV) in the men’s giant slalom on Sunday.
The German women have lost touch with the world leaders in giant slalom in recent years. Among the men, the currently best athlete in this discipline, Alexander Schmid from Allgäu, is still missing due to the consequences of a torn cruciate ligament.
Maier: “The winters are now coming later”
Public criticism of the early start of the season on the Rettenbachferner has become increasingly louder for years. “You can certainly discuss the right time to start, because the winters now come later but stay longer,” said DSV Alpine boss Wolfgang Maier in an association statement on Wednesday.
However, we should continue to hold on to the venue in Sölden, which offers a perfect setting.