The Swiss women’s ski team falls short of expectations: Camille Rastová was the best Swiss in Sölden in 12th place, the biggest star Lara Gutová-Behramiová did not start. Swiss-Ski president Urs Lehmann and alpine director Hans Flatscher emphasize the difficulties caused by injuries and missing points.
Italian skier Federica Brignone won the opening competition of the new World Cup season. In Saturday’s giant slalom in Sölden, Austria, she attacked from third position after the 1st round and triumphed with a lead of 17 hundredths ahead of New Zealander Alice Robinson.
It was like a loss for Switzerland. Although explainable, but ultimately just a loss. Camille Rastová was the best Swiss woman in the giant slalom in Sölden in 12th place. Further back we find Michelle Gisinová (22nd), Wendy Holdenerová (25th) and Simone Wildová (28th). In total, it meant 40 points for the Swiss team – at least for the last 13 giant slaloms.
Already in the 1st round, Jasmina Suterová (35th), Mélanie Meillardová (45th), Stefanie Grobová (48th), Andrea Ellenbergerová (50th) and Janine Schmittová (53rd) were left behind – all lost more than 4 seconds.
Above all, however, Lara Gutová-Behramiová gave up the start because she lacked confidence in her own body after three weeks without ski training.
Fans of Swiss skier Lara Gutova-Behrami have reason to worry. The experienced racer surprisingly missed her favorite weekend race in Sölden, although according to her own words she is not injured. In addition, her emotional statements raise questions about the possible end of her career.
The points that the native of Ticino normally collects with almost surgical precision are now sorely lacking. If the 33-year-old racer misses another race this season, Switzerland faces a grim women’s winter. Because last season she secured 37% of all points.
Lara Gutová-Behramiová only “part-time”?
The president of Swiss-Ski Urs Lehmann believes that Lara Gutová-Behramiová will focus mainly on the WC in Saalbach this winter. “At this stage in her career, only titles count,” he says.
At the same time, the 33-year-old competitor emphasizes that she is not willing to risk her health. “Ten years ago, I would have started. But now the risk is too big for me.” said Lara Gutová-Behramiová in Sölden.
Many are coming back, but they need time
Urs Lehmann explained at the annual Swiss-Ski day in early September that they would like to defend the Nations Cup this winter. However, he is aware of the difficulty of the task as there are many uncertainties in the women’s team.
The director of the alpine section, Hans Flatscher, therefore clearly states: “We have to make sure that the female racers who have been injured recently are gradually brought back to the top.”
There are many – perhaps too many. Wendy Holdener is back from ankle surgery. Five other racers are still waiting for their return: Corinne Suterová, Joana Hählenová, Jasmine Fluryová, Aline Daniothová and Nicole Goodová.
Corinne Suter has been on skis for some time after tearing her cruciate ligament and damaging her meniscus, but she is proceeding with caution after her first serious injury. He hopes to be able to fly to Copper Mountain (USA) for a training camp at the end of November. The first convention of the winter takes place on December 14 in Beaver Creek.
Will her best colleague in the World Cup also be there? Jasmine Flury needs more patience after cartilage damage. “I’m giving myself the time my body needs,” he says. It’s even possible he’ll miss the entire season.
This is not an issue for her speed colleague Joana Hählenová, she has confidence in her body even with two torn cruciate ligaments in her knees (she did not have them operated on).
The United States of America is waiting for the presidential elections in a few days, and various personalities from the world of sports are expressing their support for the candidates Kamala Harris or Donald Trump. One of the best skiers in the world, Mikaela Shiffrinová, also appeared on the political topic.
Victory in the Cup of Nations very uncertain
In the meantime, slalom specialist Aline Daniothová made an excellent recovery from her fourth cruciate ligament rupture (with surgery) – the competitor from Uri finally completed the FIS race again in Argentina after a 557-day break from racing. “I have never been more proud of myself than in this moment,” he says.
And slalom colleague Nicole Goodová? She fell hard on her head during the Swiss championship in Davos, but there are no consequences.
Switzerland has won the overall Nations Cup the last 2 times in a row and in four of the last five seasons. However, the Swiss were more than 300 points short of the Austrians last year, despite Lara Gutova-Behrami’s overall victory in the World Cup.
