A sensational winner from Norway, an Austrian debacle and small German bright spots - the start of the Ski World Cup was tough.
Stefan Luitz as 14th best German in Sölden
Young Norwegian sensationally wins the giant slalom
Austria's ski aces have never been as bad as ever
The results at the alpine ski start in Sölden have never been particularly exhilarating in recent years.
Even after this weekend, the entourage of the German Ski Association (DSV) started their return journey from Tyrol rather disillusioned.
Lucas Braathen (20) from Norway duped the elite
In the victories of Marta Bassino (24, Italy) and Lucas Braathen (20, Norway), 14th place for Stefan Luitz (28) was the best and very clear result.
After Viktoria Rebensburg's resignation, none of the women made it into the second round.
3.90 seconds (!) Behind would have been enough - too big a hurdle for Lena Dürr (+4.74), Jessica Hilzinger (+5.61), Lisa Loipetssperger (+6.24) and Andrea Filser (+6, 37).
DSV alpine boss Wolfgang Maier found this women's result on the 3000 meter high glacier “not funny”.
The expectations were not great anyway, but “that was not to be expected”.
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Lucas Braathen from Norway celebrated his first World Cup victory
© picture alliance / Marco Trovati / AP / dpa
Luitz: "I'm annoyed about the first round"
The gentlemen only made it partially better.
Victory hopeful Luitz drove around in the first round, according to his own analysis, “too much in the area.
So you don't gain anything down there. ”At least he improved by ten places.
A small ray of hope, at least found the Allgäu himself: "That was a big step in the right direction," said the 28-year-old.
“But I'm still very disappointed with my first run.” Shortly behind him, Alexander Schmid landed 15th. Fabian Gratz missed the second run in his second World Cup appearance in 40th.
For Schmid, who had slowed down the Epstein-Barr virus in 2019, it was another small step towards the targeted top 15.
“It's much easier than last year,” said the 26-year-old from Oberstdorf in advance.
He often ran out of breath in the second run.
Also yesterday he gave away an even better placement there.
“Unfortunately, I gave pressure to a gate too early,” said Schmid about his mistake when exiting the steep slope.
Swiss provoke Austrians with Cap inscription
Austria's ski stars have also made a mess.
Stefan Brennsteiner landed as the best man in 17th place, Katharina Truppe as the best ÖSV runner in 15th place - that is synonymous with the worst Sölden result in the history of the World Cup.
A major setback for President Peter Schröcksnadel (79), who, according to Salzburger Nachrichten, had internally declared the goal of regaining the national title from the Swiss.
The Swiss, on the other hand, who wore provocative caps marked “Ski-Nation Number 1”, collected through Gisin (4th), Gut-Behrami (8th), Odermatt (2nd), Caviezel (3rd) and Meillard (6th) .) Top results and breaded - as the Austrian himself would say - the hosts heavily.
The only bright spot from the ÖSV's point of view: The Corona hygiene concept worked.