Night Slalom in Flachau: A Battle for Supremacy
The Austrian resort of Flachau is once again hosting the prestigious women’s World Cup slalom, a tradition dating back to 2010. This year’s event promises thrilling competition under the lights.
switzerland’s Camille Rast, who has secured a top-five finish this season and a victory in killington, USA, will kick off the first run. Hot on her heels will be Germany’s Lena Dürr, currently seeking her first win of the season.
Croatia’s Zrinka Ljutič, the current leader in the slalom discipline standings, will aim to solidify her position with a strong performance, starting third.
Austria boasts a formidable presence in the top 15, with Katharina Liensberger, Katharina Truppe, and Katharina Huber representing the home nation. Liensberger will start fifth, Truppe eighth, and Huber fourteenth.
Notably absent from the field is Mikaela Shiffrin, the American superstar who has been sidelined since a fall in November. While Shiffrin has shown recent progress in her recovery, she will not be defending her 2022 Flachau victory.
Similarly, Slovakia’s Petra Vlhová, a three-time winner in Flachau (2019, 2020, and 2023), remains out of action as she recovers from a knee injury.
fans can catch all the action live on Šport STVR, Eurosport, and ORF. For those seeking text-based updates, sportnet.sk will provide comprehensive online coverage.
The Flachau Night Race: An Inside Look with Former Austrian Ski Star, Michaela Dorfmeister
The Austrian Alps are bathed in anticipation. Tonight, the lights of Flachau will pierce the darkness, illuminating a thrilling battle for slalom supremacy. Joining me today is a woman who knows this slope, this sport, and this pressure better than most – two-time Olympic gold medalist and former World Champion, Michaela Dorfmeister.welcome, Michaela.
Michaela: It’s great to be here.Always exciting to be back in Flachau, even if it’s from the sidelines now!
Moderator: It’s definitely an exciting time for women’s slalom. camille Rast is looking strong coming in, and Lena Dürr is hungry for her first win. However, all eyes might be on Croatia’s Zrinka Ljutič. She’s consistently at the top of her game this year. What are your thoughts on these top contenders?
Michaela: Zrinka’s been a force to be reckoned with. smooth, consistent, and technically sound. Rast has the speed, but consistency can be key in slalom, especially on a challenging course like Flachau. Don’t underestimate Dürr either – she has the talent and experience to pull off a surprise win.
Moderator: Absolutely.
We can’t ignore Austria’s strong presence in the top-15 either. Katharina Liensberger, Truppe, and Huber – they have home advantage and a passionate crowd behind them. Do you think that will give them an edge tonight?
Michaela: Austria always brings the heat at home events. The crowd support is undeniable. Liensberger, in particular, has shown flashes of brilliance. If she can manage her nerves, she could really challenge for the podium.
Moderator: And of course, the absence of Mikaela Shiffrin and Petra Vlhová leaves a huge void. Both are former Flachau winners, and their absence is certainly felt. Do you think it changes the dynamics of the race?
michaela: Absolutely. Those two are titans of the sport. Their absence creates opportunities for other skiers to step up and shine. It’s a shame they’re not here, but it also makes it a more unpredictable race.
Moderator: It’ll certainly be interesting to see who seizes this opportunity. What advice would you give to these young skiers facing the pressure of this prestigious event?
michaela: Trust your training, believe in yourself, and most importantly, enjoy the moment. This is what you’ve worked so hard for. Just attack the course with confidence and leave it all out there.
Moderator: Great advice,Michaela. That’s all the time we have for today. It’s going to be a thrilling night of racing here in Flachau!
what do you think? Who are your favorites for tonight’s Night Slalom? Share your predictions and join the conversation!
