Marco Odermatt is aiming for his third Sölden victory and subsequently his fourth overall victory in a row. The Austrians go into the race with outside chances, Marcel Hirscher and Lucas Braathen get back into the action with numbers above 30.
Dual citizen Hirscher will no longer be in the ÖSV racing suit, but will be traveling between the gates as a representative of the Netherlands. “It’s still incredibly fun, even if the preparation hasn’t gone quite as well as hoped,” said the Salzburg player. “What’s certainly not quite there yet is the speed.” After his resignation from the Norwegian team, Braathen will now take part in the competitions as a Brazilian. As with Hirscher, his mother comes from the nation now represented.
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It won’t be easy for the two of them, predicts Manuel Feller. “Sölden was always a difficult race for high starting numbers. Last year and two years ago, I think it was the case that more than three people entered after the 30.” Given the prevailing high temperatures, conditions would be similar to those of a spring race. “This is a long way from a classic winter race.”
Feller: “Expectations are not high”
For Feller, it’s about topping his best Sölden result, which was twelfth place in 2019. “Of course, the expectations are not excessive, especially because it’s a giant slalom,” said Feller, who always needs a longer run-up phase. “I would like to have two or three more days of training on a really good slope so that I feel 100 percent ready.” You just have to fight on the slope because it is so long and so steep.
Stefan Brennsteiner reported a good preparation in which he felt comfortable and showed stable runs. The Salzburger is now training in the same group as Feller, Marco Schwarz and Michael Matt, supervised by group coach Martin Kroisleitner. “Nevertheless, the race counts, and in Sölden I haven’t achieved the best results in my career yet,” said Brennsteiner. Raphael Haaser, Lukas Feurstein, Patrick Feurstein, Noel Zwischenbrugger, Vincent Kriechmayr and Fabio Gstrein also start for the Austrians.
Lukas Feurstein has a lot of confidence in ÖSV head coach Marko Pfeifer in the giant slalom this year. The Vorarlberg native said: “It was my first preparation in four years where I was able to train all summer long and completed the entire summer camp on skis. I think I’ve made a good step, both in terms of speed and technique.” The 23-year-old described Hirscher as his idol in the same breath as Ted Ligety. “I’m excited to see how he really drives in the race. I have a lot of confidence in him,” said Feurstein and joked: “If he’s in front of us, then we can certainly listen to something.”
Odermatt is the top favorite
Odermatt is the undisputed top favorite on the Rettenbach Glacier. In the previous season, the now 27-year-old won nine of ten races, only retiring in the season finale while in the lead. Now he feels ready for new successes. “We had very good conditions the last few days in Switzerland,” explained Odermatt. The physical condition should be fine. “I’ve got maybe a kilo or two more on me.”
His new Spanish fitness coach Alejo Hervas was also responsible for this. Lara Gut-Behrami’s long-time confidant replaced the Austrian Kurt Kothbauer, who joined Lucas Braathen’s “Team Pinheiro”. As Swiss media reported, Odermatt improved his records from the previous year by around three percent in the strength and endurance tests before the season.
Alexis Pinturault will not be at the start. The Frenchman is not yet ready for his comeback after tearing his cruciate ligament in January. Marco Schwarz, who is recovering from back surgery and who was in the lead last year before the first round had to be stopped without scoring due to strong winds, is missing from the Austrian team.
Interview with Marco Odermatt: Aiming for Glory at Sölden
Editor: Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Marco Odermatt, the reigning champion in alpine skiing and the top favorite for the upcoming Giant Slalom in Sölden. Marco, thank you for joining us.
Marco Odermatt: Thanks for having me! I’m excited for the race season to kick off.
Editor: You’re going for your third victory in Sölden and your fourth overall win in a row. How are you feeling as you head into this race?
Marco Odermatt: I feel really good! We had excellent training conditions in Switzerland leading up to this event. Physically, I’m in a solid place too, although I’ve put on a couple of kilos, nothing to worry about. It’s about how the body feels, and I feel ready for new successes.
Editor: That’s great to hear! Some notable competitors this year, like Marcel Hirscher and Lukas Braathen, are returning, albeit representing different nations. How do you see their presence in the competition?
Marco Odermatt: It’s always great to see top athletes like them back on the slopes. Marcel has a wealth of experience and skill regardless of his new affiliation. I respect both him and Braathen; competition is what makes this sport thrilling.
Editor: Manuel Feller mentioned that Sölden is challenging for those starting with higher bib numbers due to the conditions. Do you share his concerns about the weather and snow conditions this season?
Marco Odermatt: The conditions can be tricky, especially with the warmer temperatures. Every race presents its challenges. However, I trust the organizing team to prepare the course well, and I’ll focus on executing my runs in the best way possible.
Editor: You mentioned some exciting training improvements. What specifically has changed with your preparation this year?
Marco Odermatt: I’ve recently changed fitness coaches, which has been refreshing. My new coach Alejo Hervas has helped me improve my strength and endurance records significantly, by about three percent. It’s all about finding those marginal gains at this level.
Editor: Lastly, with Alexis Pinturault and Marco Schwarz out, do you feel an added responsibility as the top favorite?
Marco Odermatt: Not really. My focus is on my performance and executing the best run I can. I respect all competitors and know that anything can happen in ski racing. I just aim to give my best on the day.
Editor: Thank you, Marco, and best of luck for the race. We’re all looking forward to seeing your performance in Sölden!
Marco Odermatt: Thank you! I appreciate the support and can’t wait to hit the slopes.
Marco Odermatt: I understand Manuel’s point. Sölden can be tricky, especially with warmer temperatures impacting snow quality. However, we’re all competing under the same conditions, and I trust my training and preparation will help me adapt. I believe my team and I are ready to tackle whatever challenges come our way.
Editor: You’ve mentioned the importance of strong physical preparations. How has your new fitness coach, Alejo Hervas, influenced your training this season?
Marco Odermatt: Alejo has had a significant impact on my approach. His expertise has helped me improve my strength and endurance metrics by about three percent, which is crucial for my performance on the slopes. His focus on my overall fitness, including some extra weight, has kept me feeling energetic and robust. I’m eager to see how it translates during the race!
Editor: With all these preparations and adjustments, what would you consider a successful outcome in Sölden this year?
Marco Odermatt: Ultimately, my goal is to win, but even more importantly, I want to execute my run flawlessly. Every race is a new opportunity to learn and improve, regardless of the final position. If I can perform to my potential, I’ll be satisfied.
Editor: Thank you for sharing your insights, Marco. We wish you the best of luck in your race on the Rettenbach Glacier!
Marco Odermatt: Thank you! Looking forward to an exciting season ahead!