Increased demands
Created: 01/18/2022, 07:00
By: Patrick Hilmes
Off to Kitzbühel: Simon Jocher wants to improve again after a solid performance in Wengen on the legendary Streif.
© DPA
Simon Jocher finished 23rd, 38th and 24th at the Alpine World Cup in Wengen.
The SC Garmisch athlete is not completely satisfied with that.
Wengen – In the 2020/2021 season, Simon Jocher's conclusion after a World Cup weekend with places 23, 38 and 24 would have sounded very different than it does now.
"Partly, partly," he answered briefly when asked whether he was satisfied with his performance in Wengen.
The demands of the 25-year-old from SC Garmisch have increased, after all he has already made it into the top eight of the speed drivers this season.
Basically, that's a good sign, because what athlete manages to make it to the top if he's already satisfied with a place in the top 30?
In addition, Jocher himself knows that he is one of the young athletes in the World Cup circuit.
"I still need time to consistently drive to the top of the world."
I just have to manage to transport the lightness from training into the race.”
Simon Jocher
He can also take positives from his performances in Wengen.
"At least on the last day I was able to show that I can do some downhill skiing," says Jocher with a slight smile.
By that he means his 24th place.
He says the opposite about the first descent on the Lauberhorn (rank 38).
"I wasn't happy with that at all.
I messed it up in the key passages.
As a result, you lack the speed that you can no longer catch up on.” He records his 23rd place in the Super-G as “okay”, knowing that he can do better.
“The coaches also said that I could do better.
I just have to manage to transport the lightness from training into the race.”
The strip is waiting
The next chance will come tomorrow, Wednesday, when the first training session in Kitzbühel is scheduled.
Two downhill runs will be held on the Streif next Friday and Saturday.
"I'm really looking forward to it, this time I can take it a little easier." In the pre-season, Jocher was allowed to attempt the notorious descent for the first time.
This time also in front of spectators, at least 1000 fans are allowed.
It's still something special for the 25-year-old.
"Unfortunately, I've only competed in a few World Cups where spectators were allowed." That was the case in Wengen, and Jocher was enthusiastic: "Of course, the atmosphere is really cool with such a classic."
Good cards for an Olympic ticket
She should also push him on the Streif, because Jocher wants to meet his demands again and thus leave the national coaches no choice but to take him to Beijing.
Because so far, the DSV has not announced its team for the Olympic Winter Games.
Born in Schongau, he knows that he has a good chance of getting a ticket.
"But of course I'm still worried, because I'm not the fastest of us, and everyone has achieved a top ten result." But Jocher has an ace up his sleeve: he already proved at the World Championships last year what a good combined athlete he is he is, having snatched fifth place in Cortina d'Ampezzo.
