JASNA - The biggest sports event of the year in Slovakia, the Alpine Ski World Cup in Jasna, is set to kick off tomorrow. Yesterday, racers had the opportunity to test the quality of the slope during free skiing, without gates. Despite the morning fog under Chopok, it eventually cleared.
Dürrová: Petra always has the most fans
The weather favored the top stars of women's alpine skiing. After the approximately 40-minute training session, German skier Lena Dürrová, currently eighth in the overall World Cup standings, stopped by a group of Slovak journalists. "I'm looking forward to the weekend; there will certainly be a great atmosphere. It doesn't matter where we compete; your Vlhova always has the most fans," said Dürrová, a slalom specialist who has finished second behind Vlhova three times this season.
Brignone with a break in Bratislava
Italian skier Federica Brignone shortened her journey to Jasna with a one-day stop in Bratislava. "Just for one night. We managed to see the old town; we liked it. It was a suitable break; we've been on the road for 5 weeks," she said. She enjoyed the prepared slope for tomorrow's giant slalom. "It's amazing, excellent snow. I have to congratulate the organizers. The sun is missing a bit, but hopefully, it will be there tomorrow," said the 33-year-old from Milan.
The first Italian to celebrate an overall victory in the World Cup (in 2020) has special memories of Jasna. "Right here, I reached the podium for the first and last time in the European Cup. But that was a long time ago, in 2009," she reminisced.
She also stopped by our skier before that. "We joked a bit, and I congratulated her on her second place in Flachau. It must be a beautiful feeling to have such support at home. Great emotions," she noted.
Petra went down first, enjoying it
Vlhova also smiled in the mixed zone after today's training. "I enjoyed it as much as I could. It was great to go down first on a beautiful slope. Especially one that carries my name. A special moment for me. Just like being at home, with many people supporting me," she said.
Although she appreciates the designation of the slope with her name, "the important thing will be to deliver a good performance tomorrow." Vlhova doesn't want to admit the pressure. "I take it as an opportunity to enjoy it. I want to be happy here. To succeed. Even though in sports, it's up and down," she concluded.
She isn't worried about a few bumps on the newly prepared slope. "They're there, but they're not sharp. I still say that in Jasna, conditions are the best so far. It has always been that way, in 2021 and 2016. Perhaps because we Slovaks want to do everything as best as possible. And I'm looking forward to being part of it." The giant slalom track began construction today, right after training. During the race, athletes are expected to overcome 400 vertical meters, and in the classic slalom on Sunday, half as much.
