KITZBUEHEL: Swiss tyro Marco Odermatt has but to win a Global Cup downhill race, however the runaway chief within the general standings believes he has “two excellent probabilities” to win in Kitzbuehel. Olympic massive slalom gold medalist Odermatt’s self assurance is little short of brazen given the Streif piste within the Austrian lodge is extensively considered essentially the most trying out at the circuit. “To win here’s a dream, and to win a downhill on the whole could also be a dream,” the 25-year-old stated.
Odermatt touched down in Kitzbuehel after two spectacular podiums on house snow in Wengen: a 3rd position within the super-G and 2d in downhill. Looking for back-to-back Global Cup general crowns, Odermatt has gained 11 instances within the massive slalom and 6 in super-G, however a downhill identify stays elusive in spite of 8 podium finishes together with 2d position in Kitzbuehel ultimate season.
“I used to be very as regards to successful ultimate yr, on the other hand at the beginning of this season (when he used to be edged into 2d in Beaver Creek). In Wengen ultimate week I used to be additional in the back of Aleksander Aamodt Kilde, however right here I’ll have two excellent probabilities.” Odermatt added: “Wengen used to be difficult for the top and legs. I used to be drained all the way through Monday however really feel higher now. I went house for only a day, slightly sufficient time to pack some blank garments in my suitcase.”
Norway’s Kilde stands 2d within the general standings, however has earlier shape in Kitzbuehel, successful a downhill ultimate season, a truth he mentioned made him positive. “It’s other having gained right here one time,” mentioned the Norwegian, whose spouse is American superstar Mikaela Shiffrin. “I will come understanding that I’m in a position to successful and that provides me self assurance. “My shape hasn’t ever been as excellent. I’m playing myself and that’s crucial factor to take care of motivation each weekend. “I believe other this yr, much less wired on the startgate. I do know I’m snowboarding neatly these days. I’m excited!”
‘Some type of cat’
Kilde got here in 2d in Tuesday’s first coaching run albeit lacking a gate, whilst Wednesday’s 2d coaching used to be cancelled amid heavy snow. A 3rd coaching consultation is scheduled for Thursday. The protecting of white no less than concealed the brown and inexperienced terrain that used to be appearing via at the Hahnenkamm mountain. “Sadly we’re beginning to get used to it this wintry weather,” he mentioned of a loss of snow. “However the piste is outstanding, they’ve accomplished an ideal task, it’s superb to ski on.”
Odermatt agreed, announcing: “The slope is steep in Kitzbuehel, sooner than in Wengen. “I really like this downhill. This yr it’ll be more uncomplicated to ski, it’ll be much less icy than same old!” One skier who shall be making his ultimate look at Kitzbuehel shall be Odermatt’s teammate Beat Feuz, a three-time winner at the Streif and present Olympic downhill champion. Feuz will cling up his skis on the finish of the season after a storied profession.
“It’s emotional,” Kilde mentioned of Feuz’s ultimate time out down the Streif. He’s introduced such a lot to this game, generating one of the vital absolute best runs in historical past, like Matthias Mayer,” the now-retired Austrian who claimed wins within the super-G and downhill in Kitzbuehel. “It’ll in reality be other with out Beat. We had an excellent combat for the globe ultimate yr. He’s so easy, his method of gliding over the snow, like some roughly cat, stunning to look at.” – AFP