This weekend, Gurgl hosts the women’s World Cup slalom debut, featuring Lena Dürr and Emma Aicher, while the men’s event, led by Linus Straßer, showcases challenging conditions. Dürr aims for a podium finish after a strong start in Levi, while Straßer expresses confidence in the technical course. Lucas Pinheiro Braathen returns after a hiatus, and Marcel Hirscher seeks redemption following a disappointing performance. Fans can follow the events live, with commentary from Tobias Barnerssoi and Bernd Schmelzer.
This weekend, the spotlight is on slalom skiing in Gurgl, where the women’s World Cup makes its debut, while the men, led by Linus Straßer, are already well-acquainted with the challenging slope.
The action begins on Saturday with the women taking to the slopes for the inaugural World Cup event in this picturesque Ötztal resort. Lena Dürr, who has kicked off her season with a strong third-place finish in Levi, is eager to embrace the new challenge: ‘It’s quite rare to enter a completely new venue after so many years in the World Cup.’ This excitement was highlighted in a DSV press release.
Emma Aicher is also looking forward to competing in Gurgl (Saturday at 10:25 AM livestream). She showcased her potential by achieving the fastest time during the second run of the slalom in Levi, outpacing even the formidable Mikaela Shiffrin and her fellow DSV teammate Dürr. Other competitors from the DSV team include Jessica Hilzinger (SC Oberstdorf) and Roni Remme (SC Bergen), both of whom faced challenges in their season opener, with Hilzinger missing the second run and Remme being eliminated in the first.
As the women’s slalom unfolds in Gurgl, fans are left wondering if Lena Dürr can secure a spot on the podium in this second World Cup event of the season. Tobias Barnerssoi will provide commentary.
Straßer: ‘The slope in Gurgl fits my style’
On the men’s side, the DSV team features Linus Straßer (TSV 1860 Munich), Sebastian Holzmann (SC Oberstdorf), and Anton Tremmel (SC Rottach-Egern). Straßer expressed enthusiasm about the course: ‘This slope is quite challenging, with many transitions and steep sections. It’s a course that really suits my skiing style.’ After a strong start in Levi, where he was fourth after the first run but dropped to seventh, he feels more confident heading into Gurgl, as he thrives on steep terrains and technical sections.
Spotlight on Lucas Pinheiro Braathen
Last year, Lucas Pinheiro Braathen made a significant impact by winning both the renowned slalom races in Kitzbühel and Schladming, proving his prowess in steep conditions.
As the men’s slalom event approaches in Gurgl (Sunday at 10:25 AM livestream), fans are eager to see if Linus Straßer can deliver an impressive performance in this second World Cup event. Commentary will be provided by Bernd Schmelzer.
This season, Straßer aims to compete for the small crystal globe, pushing himself to gather points before his preferred races in January.
In addition to the DSV athletes, all eyes will also be on the returning Lucas Pinheiro Braathen, who demonstrated his elite status at the slalom in Levi by finishing fourth after a year-long hiatus. His supporters can anticipate an exciting display of skill as the 24-year-old aims for a podium finish after two near misses.
Redemption for Hirscher?
Meanwhile, Marcel Hirscher seeks to bounce back after a disappointing performance in Levi, where he struggled with grip and rhythm, finishing 47th and missing the second run. Reflecting on his experience, he stated: ‘That was one of the worst slalom runs of my life.’ Hirscher aims to improve his standing in Gurgl.
The course seems favorable for his Austrian rivals, who clinched a remarkable triple victory last year, with Manuel Feller leading the pack ahead of Marco Schwarz and Michael Matt.
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Das Erste | Sportschau Winter Sports | 23.11.2024 | 10:00 AM