One last time at this World Cup: full attack!

On Sunday, the very last world champion will be determined in Saalbach-Hinterglemm. Based on the course of the season so far, this champion will come from Norway or France. But the South Tyroleans also want to be at the top again in the final slalom.

15. February 2025

From Saalbach-Hinterglemm

From:
Alexander Foppa

The defending champion in the slalom is the Norwegian Henrik Kristoffersen, the Olympic champion is the Frenchman Clement Noel. Both are in top form, both are leading the slalom World Cup. But that's not all.

The circle of gold contenders is long: Timon Haugan (also from Norway) won the dress rehearsal in Hinterglemm a year ago. His compatriot Atle Lie McGrath should be on your list, as should Linus Strasser from Germany and the Swiss Loic Meillard, who has already won two medals.

Clement Noel is a very hot candidate for victory. © APA / EXPA/JOHANN GRODER

And the Azzurri? They have a hot iron in the fire: Alex Vinatzer. He has not been consistent in the slalom so far this winter, but he made a strong impression with second place at the season highlight in Kitzbühel. "Yes, I think I have the best chance of making the podium in the slalom," said Vinatzer in an interview with SportNews.

"Everything starts from scratch" Alex Vinatzer

The slalom is also Vinatzer's last chance to win an individual medal in Hinterglemm. He got off to a cracking start with gold in the team event, but then there were two disappointments in the team combination and the giant slalom. "In the slalom, everything starts from scratch again," the Val Gardena native said immediately after the giant slalom. Vinatzer has proven that he can get it right at major events in the forest of poles with the surprising bronze medal at the 2023 World Championships in Courchevel. He now wants to repeat this feat.

“I like this slalom slope” Tobias Kastlunger

Also Tobias Kastlunger already attracted attention at the championships in France two years ago with 15th place. "Back then, everything was new territory, now I'm a bit more experienced. I want to show that in the race," said the 25-year-old from Stern. He exudes optimism: "I like this slalom slope, I got along very well in the team combination." While Vinatzer has his sights set on the podium, it would be "a big deal" for Kastlunger if he could top his best World Cup result (7th place this season in Val d'Isere).

Alongside Vinatzer and Kastlunger, the Trentino veteran will also tackle the slalom and at the same time his last World Championship race. Whether the Azzurri can be among the frontrunners will be seen on Sunday from 9.45 a.m., when the first run takes place. The decision will be made from 13.15 p.m. (SportNews ticks live)