Paris, Thöni and much more: 7 ski predictions

Looking into a crystal ball to know what the coming World Cup winter has in store would be too easy. It's much more interesting to look ahead and explore all the alternatives yourself. SportNews did this and made seven predictions: some realistic, others a little less so.

1. Paris draws level with Thöni

Many people don't have it on their radar, but Dominik Paris, already a legend, can make South Tyrolean history in the new season and reach the skiing Olympus. Namely if he were to catch up with the greatest in terms of World Cup victories. We are of course talking about Gustav Thöni, who is in first place in the South Tyrolean rankings with 24 successes in the premier ski class. Paris is at 1 and – given the increased number of speed races – will catch up with Thöni. He achieved three of the five successes required for this in Bormio and Kitzbühel.

Marco Odermatt is the man to beat. © Pentaphoto

2. Odermatt dominates the overall World Cup

Marco Odermatt suffered from the uneven division of the speed and technical races last year. And yet he still finished second in the overall World Cup. The adjustments made by the International Ski Federation FIS are no better for any athlete than Odermatt: Because the 24-year-old is capable of winning in three disciplines, i.e. giant slalom, super-G and downhill, no one can beat the Swiss approach. Neither Alexis Pinturault, nor Henrik Kristoffersen or Aleksander Aamodt Kilde.

3. Vinatzer fulfills his dreams

Alex Vinatzer's last season was characterized by many ups and downs. As a result, the 22-year-old has matured, become even better and will be even more dangerous in the future. The man from Selva has a basic speed like no other, will celebrate his first World Cup victory in Madonna di Campiglio this year ahead of the Tifosi and will win precious metal at the Olympic Games in Beijing. We keep our feet on the ground and say: Bronze!

Alex Vinatzer has big plans. © Pentaphoto

4. Braathen and McGrath strike back

They flew high, fell low - and now they're back. Lucas Braathen and Atle Lie McGrath. Last year, the former shone with the Sölden victory, while the latter achieved a podium finish in Alta Badia with start number 29. However, the end of the season was as rapid as their rise. Both were caught in the borderline giant slalom in Adelboden. In top shape again, the youngsters now want to pick up where they left off. And they will. Braathen wins a World Cup race, McGrath wins an Olympic medal, we think.

5. There is no exchange of generations

Apart from Alex Vinatzer, South Tyrolean ski fans still have to wait for a new face. The longed-for generational exchange is delayed. On the one hand, because hopes like Alexander Prast and Florian Schieder are out for the entire season, and on the other hand, because there are simply no new talents emerging. Only Tobias Kastlunger can be trusted to make it to the World Cup, especially since he was able to taste his first experiences last season. Otherwise, the entire burden lies on Paris, Christof Innerhofer, Vinatzer & Co.

6. The injury debate remains omnipresent

As difficult as it is to report, it is inevitable that injuries will continue to overshadow races and sideline stars in the new season. The downside of skiing is clearly shown to those involved and triggers a new, heated debate about how athletes can be better protected. Different slope preparation, innovative equipment, more moderate course settings? The experts will continue to rack their brains and hopefully find solutions that will make skiing safer.

7. Mölgg draws a line in the sand

A Ski World Cup without Manfred Mölgg? Hardly imaginable! You often thought that was it. But now we fear that the 39-year-old will say goodbye to the ski stage after the coming season – and further consistent results. That would be all too understandable after the cruciate ligament tear I suffered around two years ago and the many aches and pains. During the season, Mölgg doesn't waste any thought on it, but rather goes to work with the utmost concentration and even celebrates a top 10 place in the slalom.

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Paris, Thöni and much more: 7 ski predictions

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Paris, Thöni and much more: 7 ski predictions

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