First race without Hirscher – who will be the new ski giant?

Pinturault also agreed, but from the perspective of the now supposed favorite. A role that he immediately put into perspective. “A lot will change from race to race. The Americans have good talents, so do we, and I'm not worried about the Austrians either," said the always friendly "half-Norwegian" - Pinturault's mother Hege is Norwegian - from Courchevel in a friendly but firm manner.

Pinturault and Kristoffersen with a private team like Hirscher once did The winner of 24 World Cup races now also has his own team, underlining his ambitions for the big ball. “It makes me more flexible and I can concentrate even more on just skiing,” Pinturault confirmed that, like Kristoffersen, he is now relying on a private team a la Hirscher. “Alexis is our number 1 in giant slalom, slalom and combination. His goal must be the overall World Cup,” emphasized head racing director Rainer Salzgeber in Sölden.

It is only logical that “Pintu” tried to direct the spotlight onto others after his confident victory over compatriot Mathieu Faivre. The Frenchman had already tried to stay out of the wordy pre-season banter, instead Pinturault struck on the slopes. Like Hirscher, he now has 5 podium places in Sölden. Only the American Ted Ligety (7) has more there.

It was easy for Pinturault to understand why things were going so well for him in Sölden. “It’s the special atmosphere. And it's the race that you actually prepare for all summer," analyzed Pinturault, making it clear that, unlike many others, he attaches great importance to the early glacier season opener. ÖSV athletes still off track Pinturault generates energy from something that should actually benefit the ÖSV athletes. Many injuries and the absence of the retired Hirscher led to interesting constellations this time. While the supposed top performers in both the women's and men's categories fell short of expectations, others, such as local hero Franziska Gritsch (7th) and speed specialist Ramona Siebenhofer (10th), stepped forward.

In the men's category, speed double Olympic champion Matthias Mayer almost became the 15th best ÖSV giant slalomist. Despite being badly bruised after his “biggest Brez'n” in training, Manuel Feller just managed to avoid this in 12th place and at least scored for the first time after four failed attempts in Sölden.

Ski diplomat Pinturault showed understanding for his disappointed opponents. “Start number 1 certainly didn’t help Henrik,” he explained the world champion’s 18th place finish. Even Pinturault admitted one thing. “Of course there are still a lot of races to come. But that was really a very good start.”

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First race without Hirscher – who will be the new ski giant?

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