On January 22, 2025, para-skier Anna-Lena Forster excelled at the Feldberg World Cup, winning the sitting class with a 3.89-second lead over Spain’s Audrey Pascual Seco. While Forster celebrated her success, the German men’s team struggled, with Alexander Rauen disqualified and Christoph Glötzner finishing ninth. The German Disabled Sports Association praised the event, marking a successful inaugural Para-Alpine World Cup in Germany, while other athletes, like Sebastian Marburger, also achieved victories.
Anna-Lena Forster Shines Again at Feldberg World Cup
On the second day of the inaugural World Cup at Feldberg, para-skier Anna-Lena Forster had yet another reason to celebrate. However, the competition on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, was much tighter compared to the previous day. Fellow competitor Anna-Maria Rieder showcased her skills, while the German men’s team faced challenges in their performances.
Forster once again dominated the sitting class, finishing the day with a remarkable lead of 3.89 seconds over Spain’s Audrey Pascual Seco. The 29-year-old from Radolfzell had previously won on Tuesday with an astonishing lead of nearly 20 seconds ahead of Finland’s Nette Kivirante, who claimed the third spot this time around.
“The slope, the visibility, the rain – it all added to the challenge. Concentration was key,” Forster shared in an interview with ZDF. She admitted to feeling “more nervous than last season” due to the heightened competition. “But it’s exhilarating, and it motivates me. The closer races make it really enjoyable to measure myself against others,” she added, referencing how Seco had previously defeated her earlier in the season.
Mixed Results for German Para-Men
Unfortunately, Wednesday did not bring the same success for the German para-men. Visually impaired racer Alexander Rauen faced disqualification in his second run after finishing fifth the previous day. Christoph Glötzner managed to secure ninth place, which was a step back from his earlier performance. “I expected more from myself,” said the 22-year-old racer. “It seems like I still have much to learn.” Only Leon Gensert showed improvement, bouncing back from an exit on the first day to finish ninth in the sitting class.
The German Disabled Sports Association (DSB) expressed their satisfaction with the event, which marked the first Para-Alpine World Cup held in Germany. Head coach Justus Wolf noted the positive feedback received, stating, “We are thrilled with how the World Cup was organized and presented, and it’s definitely an event worth repeating in the future.”
DSB President Friedhelm Julius Beucher also viewed the event positively, calling it a “visible sign of progress” and hopeful for future events. A follow-up slalom competition is scheduled for Thursday.
In addition to Forster’s victory in the slalom, para-cross-country skier Sebastian Marburger celebrated his first World Cup win, while Anja Wicker also found joy at the World Cup opener.
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In other news, Alice Robinson pulled off a surprising win in the giant slalom at Kronplatz. Meanwhile, the men’s slalom is set to take place at the end of the World Cup in Wengen, with highlights from the race to follow.
After his victory, Atle Lie McGrath engaged in an emotional discussion with sports expert Felix Neureuther, reflecting on the thrilling race.