Frustration and thoughts of resignation for Kriechmayr

The downhill race at the World Cup in Val Gardena went completely wrong for Vincent Kriechmayr. Afterwards, he gave vent to his frustration and even suggested a possible retirement.

21 December 2024

From: never

In Beaver Creek, Vincent Kriechmayr had a promising start to the new season with fifth and sixth places in the downhill and super-G. But just two weeks later, the 2021 double world champion suffered a setback.

After finishing twelfth in the Super-G in Val Gardena, the Austrian on Saturday in the downhill nothing to report. 2,37 seconds behind the winner Marco Odermatt and a 55th place are far too little for the 33-year-old - he knows that himself.

Vincent Kriechmayr is in crisis. © ANSA / ANDREA SOLERO

“The balance after the first four speed races of the season is not so positive,” he said after the setback from the Krone quoted: "At least I had a basic speed in Beaver Creek, which I completely lacked there."

Kriechmayr: “That is not my claim”

But the 2021 Super-G overall winner didn't leave it at that and went one step further. "Something has to change. If I continue to lag behind like this, I'll give up. That's not what I want," he said, suggesting a possible retirement.

But Kriechmayr will by no means rush into such a serious decision, especially because he will be returning to his beloved terrain in the coming weeks. After Christmas, the World Cup in Bormio is scheduled (26 to December), followed in the new year by the classics in Wengen (14 to 19 January) and Kitzbühel (21 to 26 January) - all races that the ÖSV star has already won.