Frenchman Cyprien Sarrazin, who is driving his first full downhill season, won the final training session for tomorrow’s Kitzbühel downhill run (11.30 a.m., ORF 1) with start number 31. There was a lot of applause for this in the already well-filled stands. But there are other favorites. Vincent Kriechmayr does not count himself among the closest favorites: “If I could bet, I would bet on Marco Odermatt,” said the 31-year-old double world champion from Cortina 2021.
Kriechmayr himself ended up 1.48 seconds behind Sarrazin in 23rd place with final braking and was then in a good mood. He has made friends with the Streif, which had repeatedly caused him problems in recent years.
“It was definitely my best training ride this season. On the Hahnenkamm, I tried to drive a bit more sportily. I man, the people watched at home today. I still have to do a few things better, Odi (Marco Odermatt, note) rode some passages very quickly, so I have to improve to be there,” said Kriechmayr: “If I could bet, I would on Odermatt set.” The Swiss leader in the overall World Cup was eleventh in training. Also in some places with the handbrake on.
“I’m trying to take full risks tomorrow”
Kriechmayr announced that he would “smash everything I have” tomorrow. If it doesn’t work out there, there is a second chance to go down on Saturday (11.30 a.m., ORF 1) in front of an expected 45,000 spectators. There are only remaining tickets, which by the way have to be ordered online. “Both descents are equivalent. I’ll try to take full risks tomorrow and then we’ll see whether there are still reserves.”
In 2021, the Mühlviertler won the Super-G here in the Gamsstadt, a race that no longer appears in the program. There is a crying eye. “I mourn the Super-G very much, it was of great importance here with the story about Hermann (Maier, note)”, said Kriechmayr, referring to the sensational comeback of the “Herminator”. In only the fifth race after a 17-month break after his motorcycle accident, the 2003 Flachau racer raced to victory.
“Two runs are a huge opportunity. But if I could choose, I would like to ride a Super-G and a downhill,” said Kriechmayr, who was already welcomed in Kitzbühel by some members of his “Veni Vidi Vinc” fan club. His fans will keep their fingers crossed for the speed star.
“Ready to go”
Daniel Hemetsberger, twelfth in the second practice session, also enjoys great sympathy. The Nußdorfer, who was third in Kitzbühel last year, likes the Streif. “It was a really good ride, it felt really good. I was only too straight on the Hausberg Kante, I feel good. It can start, hopefully there will be a good result,” said the 31-year-old. “The Odi presented itself very, very strongly. This is one that tears up a bit. Everyone else is pretty close.”
The condition of the Streif remains good: “There’s nothing easy here. It’s just a little less restless than in previous years, but it’s still going to be a very, very exciting race. The self-confidence also fits after today, I’m also a feeling person. I’m satisfied and in good spirits for tomorrow,” said the man from the Salzkammergut.
“I’m happy that I can ski two downhills here. On the other hand, it’s the legendary Hahnenkamm race, a second descent makes it a little less interesting because it doesn’t tend to focus as much,” explained Hemetsberger.
A nail-biter for Ploier
Austria will start tomorrow with six athletes, the last ticket was hard fought and was only awarded in the afternoon. Andreas Ploier from Straß im Attergau made a goal error before the traverse, but up to that point it was a flawless run, only 0.78 seconds behind. That is worthy of all honor for an athlete who has only had two rides on the Streif in his legs. “I’m not getting my hopes up too much,” said the 25-year-old.
The best Austrian in training was Otmar Striedinger in third place. The most positive thing: Kitzbühel is still a fall-free zone after the second session. All 64 speed aces reached the goal – with or without a goal error.
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a.zambarloukos@nachrichten.at

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Source: Nachrichten

I am Pierce Boyd, a driven and ambitious professional working in the news industry. I have been writing for 24 Hours Worlds for over five years, specializing in sports section coverage. During my tenure at the publication, I have built an impressive portfolio of articles that has earned me a reputation as an experienced journalist and content creator.