Alexis Pinturault in Bolzano: “Skiing is hit particularly hard”

What do Mikaela Shiffrin, Petra Vlhova, Henrik Kristoffersen, Marco Odermatt and Alexis Pinturault have in common? All five are superstars of the ski scene – and they have a special connection to South Tyrol. The exceptional experts rely on gloves from the “Reusch” brand, which has its headquarters in Bolzano and works with top athletes worldwide.

After Kristoffersen has already moved to the headquarters on Innsbrucker Straße in Bozen had paid a visit a few weeks ago, Pinturault stopped by the company's workforce on Thursday. After a short vacation on Lake Garda, the Frenchman was not only in a chatty mood, but also focused on the new season. “I think the winter will be special for me,” says the 31-year-old, who is particularly looking forward to the World Championships in Courchevel. This is the place where Pinturault grew up. “It is the first and perhaps last time that I can drive in my hometown. This is a great honor for me, but of course the pressure is great. I will also expect more from myself.”

Pinturault (sitting in the middle) with the Reusch employees.

In 2021, France's exceptional talent celebrated his greatest success to date when he won the overall World Cup. Last winter, however, things didn't go as planned, as “only” three podium finishes prove. “My goal is to win races again,” he says combatively. “I think the racing calendar will need to be modified in the near future.” Alexis Pinturault Pinturault is an athlete who thinks outside the box. He is also worried about climate change, melting glaciers and ever-warming temperatures. “Our sport is hit particularly hard,” says the 2019 combined world champion and adds: “In the next few years, summer preparation in particular will change significantly. It becomes increasingly difficult for us to train in the warm months. That's why I think that the racing calendar will have to be modified in the near future, especially when it comes to the events in the fall." He is aware that professional sport is not the best for the environment. “On the other hand, professional sport has the power to achieve a lot.” This statement causes a stir From a sporting perspective, Pinturault was particularly surprised by one statement made during his visit to Bolzano. “For me it makes no sense to focus on the overall World Cup,” he explains. Still on the throne in 2021, now from your own perspective no chance – why is that? “The reason is the racing calendar,” says the Frenchman, who adds: “If you want to race for the big crystal ball, you have to do three disciplines. For technicians like me, these are giant slalom, slalom and super-G. For the speed specialists, however, it is downhill, super-G and giant slalom. But if you add up the races, the speed drivers have 31 available, while the technicians have 27. That’s a difference of 400 points and the reason why I say I have no chance of the overall World Cup.”

A harsh statement that can also be interpreted as a tip towards the FIS. One thing is also clear: Despite his difficult last season, Pinturault is still one of the best skiers in the world. And he will have an important say in the World Cup again this year.

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Alexis Pinturault in Bolzano: “Skiing is hit particularly hard”

Alexis Pinturault is one of the greats in skiing. What the Frenchman says has weight. On Thursday, the 2021 overall World Cup winner stopped by his sponsor “Reusch” in Bolzano and took time for a detailed conversation.

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