Hannes Zingerle: In search of more continuity

But at least things are moving forward step by step. In the night giant slalom in Schladming on January 23, 2024, he was ranked 13th. He had never done so well before; exactly one year earlier, also in Schladming, his career best was 14th place.

Zingerle missed a huge opportunity in Aspen at the beginning of March, where he was 1th after the first run and did excellently in the second run, but then dropped out. Zingerle: "It was really tough for me at first, but I've long since forgotten it. I've learned my lesson and will try not to make such a mistake again." It was also painful for Zingerle because his failure in Aspen cost him important World Cup points for the start list and he will start the new season in 18th place, outside the top 2.

Hannes Zingerle is one of the best technicians in Italy. © APA/afp / NIKOLAY DOYCHINOV

Zingerle has competed in 46 World Cup races in his career so far and has scored points 12 times. Last season, however, he only managed to score points 3 times. In 9 counted giant slaloms, that was clearly not enough. Therefore: "Consistency is my greatest weakness, that's where I have to work the most. The season lasts 10 races over 4, almost 5 months. Only through consistency can you get points and thus confidence. Skiing is an extremely complicated and complex sport. Everything has to be technically perfect, the equipment has to be right. And then there's the competition, which gets better and bigger every year." “Consistency is my greatest weakness, that’s where I have to work the most.” Hannes Zingerle In order to finally be among the big guys, Zingerle has put his full focus on giant slalom. Slalom is a secondary issue for now. "If I do, I'll do some FIS or European Cup slaloms, but that's no longer a priority," says Zingerle. Especially since he can train at an extremely high level with Luca De Aliprandini, Filippo della Vite, Alex Vinatzer and Gianni Borsotti. But he immediately makes it clear: "In the end, every athlete has to look after themselves, fight their way through the gates and find the best line."

Zingerle is ready for the season opener in Sölden: "There is still a lot missing to be in top form, but you have to be ready. It is the first race, and therefore particularly special. The slope is selective, but it is not the most difficult in the World Cup. It is high time that I collected points in Sölden." Zingerle has never managed to do this in four starts so far (4, 2019, 2021; last year it was canceled after 2022 riders due to gusts of wind). “It’s high time that I collected some points in Sölden.” Hannes Zingerle Especially since the pre-season preparation was OK. "We had good conditions, especially during overseas training in Ushuaia/Argentina. We were on skis for 28 days there. During the last training days in Schnals we also had top conditions again, but as I said, we won't see where we stand, and especially where I stand, until Sunday in Sölden. It's important for me to start with a good feeling. Especially since there are already three more giant slaloms scheduled for December (on the 3th in Beaver Creek, 8th in Val d'Isere and 14nd at the home race in Alta Badia)."

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Hannes Zingerle: In search of more continuity

He has been close several times, but only close and never really fully there: Hannes Zingerle has been close to the top 10 in the giant slalom World Cup for years, but has never managed a single-digit place.

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