Lots of snow and possibly little competition. © APA/afp / MARCO BERTORELLO

Fear again: The Matterhorn is defending itself

The fear and hope in Zermatt/Cervinia never ends. After the first cancellation, the second departure is also in jeopardy.

11 November 2023

From: tu/apa

After the Matterhorn presented itself as a snowless mountain last year and the races were canceled as a result, this year the wind is blowing from the opposite direction: the conditions are too much of a good thing. After Cancellation of the first departure On Saturday, the Alpine ski racers are also threatened with the next disappointment on Sunday. The second World Cup race in Zermatt-Cervinia could also be canceled by the organizers and the World Ski Federation FIS if the weather forecasts come true.

Fresh snow and strong gusts of wind made the race impossible on Saturday and there appears to be no improvement in the conditions. So the speed specialists could stay dry on one of the highest mountains in the Alps for the planned second round, which is scheduled for 11.30 a.m. on Sunday. Race director Markus Waldner made a clear statement on this and, among other things, ruled out the possibility of hitting the slopes on Monday. The final decision is made in the morning hours.

Like here in Aspen, Dominik Paris was assigned number 6. © Pentaphoto

If the speed aces were allowed to strap on their skis, Dominik Paris would tackle the “Gran Becca” with number 6. Shooting star Marco Odermatt received number 11 in the starting number raffle, while the second Azzurro Mattia Casse is hoping for the race with the 12 on his chest. Aleksander Aamodt Kilde got 14 and Christof Innerhofer got 23.

The women can now make plans for their second slalom in Levi, Finland (10.00 a.m./13.00 p.m.). Petra Vlhova won the first edition.