2024-11-15 23:01:00
Marlies Raich – then still under her maiden name Schild – celebrated the last ÖSV victory in Levi in 2010. Nevertheless, Levi is not bad ground for the ÖSV women. Liensberger, for example, was third on the podium in Finland twice in 2020 and once in 2023. “Levi is always very special, it’s the start of the slalom season. If things go well, it would be even nicer. It’s a great slope. It really invites you to attack. I always enjoy coming here,” explained the 27-year-old from Vorarlberg in an ORF interview.
Liensberger, who has a new service man, hopes to get back to the top of the world. In the 2020/21 season she won the small crystal ball and in the same season she became slalom world champion. “For me it’s about focusing on my skiing. I prepared well,” said Liensberger, who also knows that the competition is tough: “They are the same athletes as in previous seasons. Nevertheless, there are also many young female runners who want to prove themselves. At the start of the season you don’t know exactly where you stand. Of course we will do our best.”
Slalom start for ÖSV women in Levi
After the successful start to the World Cup in Sölden, the ÖSV women want to continue the upward trend in the first slalom of the season in Levi. Katharina Liensberger, who came third last year, is particularly optimistic about the race.
Troop hopes for more consistency
Katharina Troupe also had good experiences in Levi with third place in 2019, although it is definitely not her favorite slope. “I got my first podium here. The slope doesn’t really suit me, it’s been flat for a long time. But I would say that a lot is possible. Everything is open. It’s finally starting, we’re all excited about it. The tingling in my stomach is getting worse. “You can feel the tension,” said the Carinthian, looking forward to the start of the season.
Last season didn’t go as hoped for Troupe. Third place in Courchevel was the highlight, but the 28-year-old only made it into the top ten in Soldeu and Lienz. “Of course I have expectations of myself. Last season was mixed, but also with a podium finish. It would be nice if I could bring in a bit of consistency. I hope for a good start. I have to stand well over the ski, then it works. “I’m also in a good place mentally, so I’ve continued to work a lot,” said Troupe.
World Cup debut for Kathrin Stock
For Katharina Gallhuber, last season was also not a big success with only two top ten places. The 27-year-old from Lower Austria is excited for the start of the season. “After a long preparation, you’re just happy to feel the adrenaline in the starting house again. You have to show stable skiing from start to finish. Driving courageously, attacking and looking for a tight line is becoming increasingly important. Here in Levi you have to really push at the top. My big goal is to start well and ski aggressively,” said Gallhuber, defining her goals.
While Liensberger, Troupe and Gallhuber already have a lot of experience, the slalom in Levi represents Kathrin Stock’s World Cup debut. “The start was a dream come true. But of course I would like to have many more starts. There’s a tingling feeling, I’ll definitely be nervous when I start. But that’s part of it. Without excitement it wouldn’t be a real race. My biggest goal is to have fun. I want to enjoy it and show my best performance,” said the 22-year-old from Salzburg.
Shiffrin is hoping for an eighth reindeer
Meanwhile, Shiffrin has shown her best performance many times – especially in Levi. The 29-year-old could name her eighth reindeer cub after Rudolph, Sven, Mr. Gru, Ingemar, Sunny, Lorax and Grogu, which means celebrating her eighth victory. The only one who has been able to defeat the 97-time World Cup winner – six times since 2016 – is called Vlhova – and she is missing.
The Slovakian lost a lot of muscle mass after tearing her cruciate ligament in January and doesn’t want to rush anything. Among Shiffrin’s biggest competitors is probably the German Lena Dürr, who showed great early form last season and came second and third in the two Levi races. The Swede Anna Swenn Larsson was regularly on the podium at the finish. Croatian Leona Popovic, second in Levi last season, could also be in contention for victory.
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What strategies are you using to maintain your competitive edge against younger athletes in the slalom this season?
**Interview with Katharina Liensberger Ahead of the Slalom Season Opener in Levi**
**Editor:** Katharina, you’re heading into the first slalom of the season in Levi. How does it feel to be back on that slope, especially considering your strong track record there?
**Katharina Liensberger:** Levi is always very special for me. It marks the start of the slalom season, and I love the slope—it really invites you to attack. I have good memories here, with podium finishes in the past, so I’m excited about the opportunities this season could bring.
**Editor:** You mentioned the challenge of competition this year, especially with young athletes emerging. How are you preparing mentally and physically for this season?
**Katharina Liensberger:** I’ve focused on my skiing a lot during preparation. I have a new service man, and we’ve worked hard to set ourselves up for success. Mentally, I stay aware of the tough competition, and while there are new faces, I believe in my training and approach. It’s about finding your rhythm and doing your best.
**Editor:** Last season was a highlight for you with the small crystal globe and becoming world champion. How has that success influenced your goals for this season?
**Katharina Liensberger:** That success definitely raised my expectations for myself. It was a dream year, but I know I’m starting anew this season. My primary focus is on consistency. I want to bring my best performances while enjoying the journey.
**Editor:** Fellow teammate Katharina Troupe has expressed a mix of excitement and nerves for the race. How do you handle that pre-race tension?
**Katharina Liensberger:** It’s completely normal to feel that way! I try to channel that adrenaline positively before the race. With experience, I understand that a little bit of nerves can help sharpen my focus, so I use it to motivate myself rather than let it overwhelm me.
**Editor:** Lastly, any thoughts on the upcoming competition and what you’re looking to achieve in Levi?
**Katharina Liensberger:** I’m looking to start strongly and aim for a podium finish if everything goes well. But more importantly, I want to ski confidently, trust in my abilities, and enjoy the moment. Each race is a new opportunity, and I’m ready to give it my all.
**Editor:** Thank you, Katharina! Best of luck in Levi. We look forward to seeing how you perform this season!
**Katharina Liensberger:** Thank you! I appreciate it!
