This year, too, the Swiss is the first contender for the title for most respondents, but takes his status calmly. “The expectations are similar to last year,” said the 25-year-old before the opening giant slalom in Sölden. More than 30 races in winter will be stressful: “I’m not a fan of this plan.”
A year ago, Odermatt prevailed in Sölden ahead of ÖSV athlete Roland Leitinger and Zan Kranjec from Slovenia. Looking back, it was the start of an almost perfect season. The key data: seven World Cup victories, as well as gold at the Olympic Games in giant slalom. There were also eight second places and one third. In addition to the large crystal ball, the Nidwaldner also received the small one as an award for the best giant slalom.
It won’t be easy to follow, but Odermatt, as the only one in the men’s World Cup to regularly achieve top positions in three disciplines – giant slalom, super-G and downhill – has a starting advantage. In order to be able to cope with his mammoth program, including World Cup appearances, he will need to be in good physical condition. “The fact that I might have to sit out one or two – especially on the downhill – for the body and recovery will come like that,” said Odermatt.
That’s how he handled it last year and skipped the descent in Val Gardena. Basically, the planning is very hard and tightly packed. “It’s definitely too much in theory. Nevertheless, there are 100 points in every race,” Odermatt clarified.
The Swiss team prepared for Sölden at the Diavolezza in Graubünden. “We have always been alone,” emphasized the Olympic champion. “It wasn’t like in Schnalstal or in Sölden, where 20 runners stand next to each other. From there you have complete peace and quiet and can work in peace.”
In principle, he is “there to win the race. But I know that three, four, five others want that too.” Even just from his own team he gets tough competition. “Loïc (Meillard; note) is in great shape, even better than last year. If he can still take the step to fully call up the performance in the race, it will be very difficult within the team. And what the other nations have done before Soelden, you don’t know.”
Source: Nachrichten
