Training: What the Racers had to Say
“Tougher than ever” is how Manuel Osborne-Paradis aptly put his view on the conditions of the 2014 World Cup course in Val Gardena/Gröden. And he knows what he’s talking about, having always been one of the fastest ones here. This is what the racers had to say.
Nyman: Saslong is Different This Year
Steven Nyman: “The Saslong is completely different this year compared to other years. It’s in great shape, despite the well-known snow issues. There are still a few things that need to happen on the course before Friday. I have captured my only two World Cup victories on this course. This gives me a good feeling and I truly hope to be right there at the top on Friday.”
Jansrud: Fighting for Victory in Downhill and Super-G
Kjetil Jansrud: “I’ve heard that the OC had a hard time making the necessary snow. In fact, you can see the grass is almost green around the course. But it is in good shape, good top layer, I expected it to be softer. It all went well, and conditions are better than good.
Looks like the media and the public has higher expectations than I have. I know, I’ve come as a favorite, and that’s how I feel, but I know it’s going to be a fight for the Downhill and Super-G. And as we all know, the races here in Val Gardena/Gröden can also be won by athletes with higher bib numbers.”
Osborne-Paradis: Tougher Than Ever
Manuel Osborne-Paradis: “This was the toughest I’ve skied the Saslong in the ten years I’ve come here. The course is really bumpy, the light is flat and I can’t see much. Actually, my legs are very tired. Because of a new course setting and the type of snow, a few gates are different. Racers are still figuring out this new track and while being a little slower today, they will ski strong on race day.”
Paris: Changes in Program are Welcome
A compliment to the organizers from Val Gardena/Gröden as the area around the course is green and almost in need of a cut or a few pasturing cows. Joking aside, the course is in great shape, even if it got colder overnight. There are a few improvements still necessary to make some sections less dangerous, such as the Camel Humps which are currently still rather large.
The changes in the program are welcome. This means that one can take care of the Downhill on Friday and then start concentrating on the Super-G. But by in large, this doesn’t really have an impact on me. The decision has been made due to the snow conditions and we’re expected to be ready on race day anyway.
