The World Cup in Vail/Beaver Creek: From dream to nightmare

The “Azzurri” had to accept their first disappointments in the speed races, the disciplines in which Paris, Innerhofer & Co. have been among the absolute world leaders for years. Dominik Paris traveled to Colorado as one of the big favorites: At the World Cup dress rehearsal in Kitzbühel, the Ultner made people sit up and take notice with his first win of the season and second place (Super-G and Downhill).

The 25-year-old came fifth at the World Cup in Beaver Creek in December. This time, however, the route in the US posh ski resort turned out to be bad. In the Super-G, Paris finished 14th. In the downhill, the discipline in which he was named vice world champion in Schladming in 2013, he did not get past 23rd place. He finished tenth in the super combination.

And the title fights in the USA didn't go as planned for the remaining domestic speed specialists either. This time Christof Innerhofer was unable to benefit from his ability to be in top form at major events and recorded two 18th places (super-G and super-combined) and a 24th place (downhill). Werner Heel had to be content with places 26 (Super-G) and 32 (Downhill).

In the women's race, however, Hanna Schnarf finished the downhill in 28th place, while she was no longer able to start in the combination after falling while entering the slalom.

Decisions that are difficult to understand

It's not just the athletes' performances that give food for thought, but also some of the coaches' decisions. For example, in the team event, where the “Azzurri” didn’t even try to send a powerful team into the race that could win a medal. The usefulness of the race can be debated. But when they finally take part, a nation like Italy should nominate a team that also has a real chance of winning the medal.

Eisath achieved the best domestic result on his debut

After the disappointing performance of the speed aces, all the pressure of expectations was passed on to the technicians, who held their competitions in the second week of the World Cup. However, the “Azzurri” were also denied a place in the top three in the giant slalom and slalom. Manuela Mölgg, 20th in the giant slalom and not qualified for the final of the top 30 in the slalom, experienced huge personal disappointment. Patrick Thaler, who demanded everything from the course in the slalom at almost 3000 meters above sea level, made the decision in the slalom and also missed out on a top result.

The only local athlete who was able to make an exclamation mark at the title fights in Vail/Beaver Creek was Florian Eisath. The Eggentaler competed at the World Championships for the first time as a 30-year-old and achieved a respectable eighth place in the giant slalom with a very strong second run, in which he was only beaten by world champion Ligety.

Manfred Mölgg, who tore his Achilles tendon almost six months ago, can also be satisfied. Despite being behind on training, he achieved eleventh place in the slalom, the best result from the Italian team's point of view.

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The World Cup in Vail/Beaver Creek: From dream to nightmare

The Alpine Ski World Championships in Vail/Beaver Creek came to an end yesterday, Sunday, with the men's slalom. Title fights that should actually have given the “Azzurri” some nice moments. But world championships have their own rules - this time you should find out for yourself.

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