Sölden Sets the Stage: Braathen's Back, Gut-Behrami's Drive, and Odermatt in the Crosshairs!
World's top skiers are in Sölden to kick-start the 2024/25 season @AgenceZoom
The Audi FIS World Cup is back, baby! And what a way to kick things off than with the legendary Sölden opener. I was glued to the news from Austria yesterday, soaking up every bit of pre-race buzz from the biggest names in alpine skiing.
Braathen won the 2023 slalom World Cup Globe racing for Norway @AgenceZoom
Lucas Braathen's return is nothing short of inspiring. After stepping away from the sport last year, he's back with a fire in his belly and a fresh perspective. I love his "dare to be different" attitude and his commitment to bringing his unique Brazilian spirit to the slopes. You can bet I'll be cheering him on this Sunday! He's clearly not just here to participate, he's aiming for the top step of the podium. His emotional press conference revealed a newfound maturity and self-awareness that's bound to fuel his performance.
Gut-Behrami is the reigning super-G, GS and Overall Globe winner @AgenceZoom
Lara Gut-Behrami is a force to be reckoned with. Even with a trophy cabinet overflowing with medals and globes, she's still hungry for more. Her dedication to the sport while balancing her life off the slopes is truly admirable. With a chance to make history in Sölden this Saturday, you know she'll be bringing her A-game. If she wins, she'll become the most decorated female GS skier in Sölden history! Talk about a legacy.
And speaking of A-game, Vincent Kriechmayr is sending a clear message to Marco Odermatt: "You're beatable!" After a summer spent fine-tuning his technique, Kriechmayr is ready to challenge Odermatt's dominance in the speed events. This rivalry is going to be epic! I can't wait to see these two speed demons go head-to-head.
The Norwegian contingent is also bringing the heat. Timon Haugan and Kajsa Vickhoff Lie are both stepping up their giant slalom game this season, and with Henrik Kristoffersen feeling confident and dialed in with his new equipment setup, the Norwegians are definitely ones to watch. Haugan's newfound confidence in GS after his Alta Badia breakthrough last season is palpable, and Lie's enthusiasm for the discipline is infectious. With Kristoffersen also in the mix, the Norwegians could be a real force to be reckoned with in the technical events.
This season is shaping up to be an absolute thriller. I'm already on the edge of my seat! Don't forget to catch all the action this weekend – the women's giant slalom on Saturday and the men's on Sunday, both at 10:00/13:00 CET. You can find all the results and updates on the FIS website: https://www.fis-ski.com/. Stay tuned for more updates and insights from yours truly as I follow all the action on the Audi FIS World Cup circuit.
Stay’nThirsty for POW
Coop