Riccardo Tonetti's uncertain future: "It's not easy"

Riccardo Tonetti competed in 162 World Cup races in his career. He was in action at the Olympic Games and just missed out on medals there, just like at the World Championships. Since this season, a lot has changed for the South Tyrolean ski ace. Due to a lack of results, the 33-year-old was dropped from the national team and has had to fend for himself since this winter.

“It’s a logistical challenge above all,” said the all-rounder from Bolzano. “It used to be that you just had to rest before a training session and then drive there, because the service man took care of the skis and someone else took care of the organization. Now I prepare my skis myself and have to take care of a few other things too.”

He is only allowed to start if others give up Tonetti is happy that he can train with his sports group, the Finanzpolizei, and is also impressed by the solidarity in the ski world. “For example, I once trained with the Slovenian team and experienced a lot of helpfulness. So the much-quoted ski family is intact.”

Giant slalom is Riccardo Tonetti's special discipline.

Training is one thing, racing is another. And here Tonetti finds himself in a tricky situation. He is not allowed to take part in any European Cup races, which would be so important for the FIS points list. “Here the trainers rely on younger drivers. I can start in the World Cup if places become available, i.e. if other Azzurri decide not to.”

It didn't work out as expected Tonetti got the chance four times this year and ran the giant slaloms in Sölden, Val d'Isére, Alta Badia and Adelboden, but he was never able to qualify for the second round. “It didn’t work out the way I imagined and the way the trainers wanted,” notes “Riki” self-critically. “I really get involved in FIS races, but the excitement and adrenaline are missing.” Riccardo Tonetti He hasn't competed in a World Cup race since January 7th and it is unlikely that there will be another one this year. “I’m currently racing in FIS in Italy,” says Tonetti. Is his fire still burning? “It's not an easy situation when you no longer get the chance to drive certain races that give you more emotionally. Of course, when I do an FIS race, I put 100 percent into it, but the excitement, the adrenaline that one thrives on in such moments is missing.”

Was that it? The question inevitably arises: Is it over for the experienced ski racer after this winter? “I can’t say that 100 percent yet. I definitely want to compete in the Italian Championships at the end of the season, after which there will be discussions with the coaches and then I have to decide. But: It doesn’t have to be like skiing for another year just to enjoy the life of a skier.” “It is unlikely that I will become a coach.” Riccardo Tonetti In any case, Tonetti has already thought about what his future could look like after his sports career. “As of today, it is unlikely that I will become a coach. I studied management in Trent and would like to somehow combine that with the sporting experiences I have gained over the years. A sports company would be well suited for this. But we’ll see what the future brings,” explains the father of two.

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Riccardo Tonetti's uncertain future: "It's not easy"

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