Vinatzer on negative series: “A blockage in the head”

Seven slaloms have taken place so far in the current World Cup season. The first two went extremely well for Alex Vinatzer. The following five competitions turned into a horror show for the South Tyrolean: three failures in the first run, one in the second round and, as a negative highlight, the failure to qualify for the final in Schladming on Tuesday. In short: Vinatzer hasn't scored a World Cup point since December 1nd.

Vinatzer is considered the best hope of a slalom nation that has been lagging behind its own standards for years. The veterans like Stefano Gross or the 2010 Olympic champion Giuliano Razzoli are shadows of their former selves and the “young generation” around Tommaso Sala and Federico Liberatore (both 25 years old) are currently producing little to nothing. Simon Maurberger always has bright spots, but also setbacks. The Ahrntaler has not yet achieved a breakthrough - partly due to injuries. Most recently, Manfred Mölgg was by far the strongest Azzurro in the slalom. And at the age of 38 and in his comeback season after a cruciate ligament tear. Vinatzer identified the problem So it's no wonder that the hopes for a better future rest entirely on Vinatzer's shoulders - pressure included. At the start of the season, the 21-year-old was on track. Within 24 hours he was fourth in Alta Badia and third in Madonna di Campiglio. But since then it hasn't worked anymore. In Madonna di Campiglio, Alex Vinatzer was third on the podium. That was just before Christmas. © APA/afp / ANDREAS SOLARO

Vinatzer himself believes that his biggest problem is between his ears. “It's a blockage in the head. Although I actually believed that I had solved this matter," said the man from Val Gardena in Schladming after he failed to qualify for the second round, over three seconds behind. Vinatzer hopes that the knot will be broken again soon: “I need a strong race or a few good days of training. I think then the good feeling comes back. In the meantime, I have to analyze and be patient.” Vinatzer's next chances are in Chamonix, where two slaloms are on the program this weekend. Slalom World Cup in Chamonix: The races in the SportNews live ticker Saturday, January 30th 1st run: 9.30 a.m 2st run: 12.30 a.m

Sunday, January 31st 1st run: 9.30 a.m 2st run: 12.30 a.m

Nominated for Italy: Manfred Mölgg, Tobias Kastlunger, Alex Vinatzer, Tommaso Sala, Simon Maurberger, Riccardo Tonetti, Stefano Gross and Giuliano Razzoli.

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Vinatzer on negative series: “A blockage in the head”

Alex Vinatzer is considered one of the greatest slalom talents in the World Cup circus, but the Wolkensteiner is currently in a deep crisis. The results of the last few weeks are devastating.

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