South Tyrolean skiing hope: Elisa Platino. © Pentaphoto

In the emotional carousel: Elisa Platino's exciting World Cup day

What does a race day actually look like as a World Cup rider? We asked Elisa Platino in St. Vigil on Tuesday - and the Obermaiserin took us on a rollercoaster of emotions.

31 January 2024

From St. Vigil

Elisa Platino was the South Tyrolean hope at the World Cup race in St. Vigil on Tuesday. The Obermaiserin is having the season of her life so far and only ten days ago achieved her best result in the premier ski class with 15th place in Jasna.

However, the race on the Erta was a rollercoaster of emotions for Platino. We took a look behind the scenes with the likeable Merano native and asked her: What does a race day actually look like for a skier?

The alarm clock rings early

6 clock: A ringtone sounds in Elisa Platino's hotel room. The alarm clock wakes the Obermaiserin from her sleep. She knows today is race time. In a few hours she will compete in her 17th World Cup race on the magnificent Erta in St. Vigil. The anticipation is great.

Here Elisa Platino accelerates on the Erta. © Pentaphoto

Approx. 7 p.m.: There is breakfast at the hotel. “I don’t eat anything special before the race, I just stick to my stuff because I know it works,” said Platino. In plain language: For the 25-year-old there is yoghurt with some fruit and a bit of muesli.

8.30 clock: The darkness is slowly moving away, the first rays of sun are turning the Erta into an orange dress - and there is a dense crowd on the route. The inspection of the slopes and the subsequent entry are pending.

After the first run, Elisa Platino was disappointed. © det

10.30 clock: The first round begins - and for Platino it's now time to wait. “First we watch the best and try to copy something from them,” smiles the Burggravine.

11.06 clock: The time has come: Elisa Platino swings out of the starting house with number 25. The 25-year-old doesn't have her best drive, straying from the ideal line several times and scoring a few goals too late. The woman from Meran finally reached the finish line in 23rd time and was visibly upset. “I never found the rhythm,” she says in an initial analysis.

Trembling with a happy ending

11.16 clock: The big tremors have now begun for Platino. Will she stay in the top 30 or will she have to watch the second run as a spectator? At the side of slalom specialist Tobias Kastlunger, who acted as a forerunner on the Erta, Platino is eagerly watching the rest of the first run.

Full commitment: Elisa Platino on her trip to Kronplatz. © Pentaphoto

11.44 clock: Done! Platino is still down to 28th place, but remains in the top 30 and can take part in the second round. The “serious” facial expression has now given way to a smile – even if the technology specialist says: “I’m still upset about the way I drove. But now I have another chance.”

11.50 clock: So Platino goes back up the mountain. “There is a hospitality area where snacks and food are available to the athletes. I'm not very hungry right now and will probably only eat one bar. A little sugar and carbohydrates to fortify you for the second run.”

“We’re not really close friends yet.” Elisa Platino on the Erta slope

13.35 clock: Platino is one of the first to make the decision. But this time too she doesn't warm up to Erta. “We’re not really close friends yet,” says the Obermaiserin with a smile. “I shot a buck in front of the target slope. But let’s move on,” says Platino’s analysis.

14.22 clock: The race is slowly coming to an end, Lara Gut-Behrami triumphs hands down. Platino, who took 26th place in the final ranking and was able to pick up a few World Cup points, is also gradually leaving the finish area. Normally we would now go to the hotel, “where you hope you can get lunch,” said the ski ace. This time she is going home to Obermais. “I've been on the road since the beginning of January, I'm happy to be able to sleep in my bed for another night,” said Platino. “On the car ride you always release tension and I usually fall straight into bed.” Yes, a World Cup day like that can be pretty intense.