Alex Vinatzer returns to the podium in Kitzbuehel: ‘Childhood dream’

Alex Vinatzer returns to the podium in Kitzbuehel

An extraordinary Alex Vinatzer returns to the World Cup podium in the slalom event in Kitzbuehel. Thanks to an outstanding second run, the Italian finished second in the slalom on the Gaslern behind only Frenchman Clement Noel.

"I brought out the best in me and this second place è beautiful, especially here in Kitzbuehel in front of this audience. It’s a childhood dream, to be on the podium in Kitz,” he admitted after the race. I don’t think anyone would have expected this podium. It’ s been a really tough time for me, too: I had to pull out the will to fight every weekend. But I knew I worked a lot with the staff, I knew there were fast sectors: today I was perfectly matched with the materials and made a great test".

“The snow was beautiful and I had courage – added the 25-year-old from Val Gardena -: after the second double I told myself to change gear, I found the rhythm and in the final stretch è it went well. The ranking è really short and with the advantage I had I didn’t think I could make it but these things happen. The victory è close, true, but if they had told me I would be on the podium today I would have put all the signatures possible".

"The period è was complicated: we knew what needed to be done but it wasn’t always easy to keep our eyes fixed on the’goal. We solved problems and did a great job with my mental coach: really top.
The secret è was to keep working every day: I was always up to something, it wasn’t easy to find the energy and when so many people didn’t believe anymore; I was able to get back up" concluded Vinatzer.