He beams again from the podium: Manuel Feller. © APA / GEORG HOCHMUTH

Austria's Redemption in the Madhouse of Schladming

Schladming is one of the most atmospheric places in the World Cup. Why this is so became clear once again on Wednesday. Thousands of fans created a goosebump-inducing atmosphere at the foot of the Planai - also because the local heroes have finally broken their spell.

29 January 2025

From: det

The season so far has been very difficult for Austria's slalom skiers. Eight races, eight times without a red-white-red athlete on the podium - this not only provoked a lot of criticism, but also gnawed at the spirits of the ski stars. Manuel Feller in particular, who won the slalom crystal globe last year, seemed more and more helpless from race to race. But now, of all times, in the home race in Schladming, the spell was broken!

With Feller (2nd) and Fabio Gstrein (3rd), two Austrians made it onto the podium - and caused an unprecedented madness in Schladming. The thousands of fans at the foot of the Planai were completely beside themselves and celebrated their two heroes. Only one person prevented the total Austrian triumph: Norwegian Timon Haugan celebrated the third slalom victory of his career in Schladming.

First podium place for Gstrein

In the end, however, this was just a minor flaw for the Austrians, who felt a huge weight lifted off their shoulders with their first podium finishes. "It's about time," jokes Feller. For him, the podium is familiar territory, but not for his colleague Gstrein. He took his first podium finish in Schladming.

The podium, from left Feller, Haugan and Gstrein. © APA / GEORG HOCHMUTH

Linus Straßer became a tragic figure. He was still in the lead at halftime, but fell back to fourth place in the final. What was particularly bitter was that his coach, of all people, set an extremely difficult course in the second run, which threw many athletes off track - including Straßer himself.

Vinatzer finishes twelfth

Alex Vinatzer was the best Azzurro on Wednesday. After finishing 16th in the first run, he made up a few places in the final and finished the race in 12th place. After his second place in Kitzbühel, "Vinni" also showed in Schladming that he has a quick turnaround again. Tobias Kastlunger also scored World Cup points in 22nd place.