One person's joy is another's sorrow

This week sees the penultimate Ski Cross World Cup before the Olympic Games. The qualifying round in Veysonnaz (Switzerland) has clearly established who will be traveling to Livigno in February.

22 January 2026

From: dl

Yanick Gunsch's Olympic dream has likely been shattered for good. The 29-year-old from the Upper Vinschgau Valley was unable to replicate his outstanding performances from last winter and failed to impress at the final World Cup event before the Games. Finishing 39th and 45th, Gunsch missed qualifying for the two races on Friday and Saturday.

The situation is quite different for the second South Tyrolean, Dominik Zuech. The 29-year-old has already finished in the top ten twice this year and was the best Italian in both qualifying runs, finishing ninth and 22nd. He was also faster than Italy's star rider Simone Deromedis, who even missed qualifying for Friday's race.

The top four Italians in the overall World Cup standings will qualify for the Olympic Games. Zuech, currently third in the standings, is in a very good position. Gunsch, on the other hand, has yet to score any points. His last chance could come at the World Cup in Val di Fassa next weekend.