Max Vergani recounts the phantom World Cup in Cortina

Max Vergani recounts the phantom World Cup in Cortina

This story should never have been written. Indeed, by the legitimate will of the International Ski Federation, it was erased from the annals immediately after World War II. But the feats of the athletes who prevailed in 1941 on the snows of Cortina during the World Ski Championships were stronger than any decision of sports policy. The 1941 World Phantom of Cortina, recounted by Max Vergani, was one of the high points of Celina Seghi’s career. On that occasion the Abetonese skier, who passed away in 2022 at the age of 102, interrupted, at least partially, the absolute dominance of Christl Cranz, who had come to Cortina on the strength of 12 world golds and one Olympic gold. Then 20 years old, Celina Seghi won gold in the slalom and silver in the combined, but like so many other talents of her generation lost her best years to the war.

Zeno Colò, at the time a 20-year-old hopeful, despite being one of the most promising young Italians, did not participate in the races; however, as an opener he recorded a time that would place him on the podium ahead of his teammate Marcellin and Germany’s Cranz. The deeds of those heroes, the epic challenges on the race courses, remained in the eyes of fans and were passed down from generation to generation. Beyond any political assessment, the 1941 Phantom World Cup was the greatest wartime sporting event. Max Vergani’s book inaugurates the Venetian publishing house’s seriesBianca, dedicated to winter sports.

Preface by journalist Flavio Vanetti and afterword by historian Nicola Sbetti. Inside is a gallery of historical photos.

Massimiliano Vergani, journalist, is a lover of theater, history and sports. He has written seven books, ‘Cortina41 – The Phantom World Cup’ is the first in which he deals with the subject he has been writing about for thirty years: winter sports.