Puchner fights for a World Cup chance: setbacks and new hope in Saalbach

Puchner fights for a World Cup chance: setbacks and new hope in Saalbach

Yesterday, Salzburg ski racer Mirjam Puchner showed a ray of hope in her so far rather mixed World Cup season. Puchner, who has often had difficulties in recent races, took first place in downhill training in Saalbach-Hinterglemm. "Mirjam did very well today. That's certainly good for self-confidence, also for the rest of the team," said women's head coach Roland Assinger, praising the athlete's performance. Despite her recent health problems, including the flu, Puchner is optimistic and hopeful about the upcoming races. "I'm enjoying it. It hasn't been so easy in the last few weeks," she explained with relief.

Challenges and hopes for the World Cup

The training brings new motivation for Puchner, who still has to be careful. The athlete will not be able to compete in the Super-G next Thursday due to her previous season's performance. "Missing a race at the home World Championships is something no one is happy about. But the others were better, I have to accept that," she expressed her frustration. Assinger and Puchner are now pinning all their hopes on internal qualification for the World Cup, which is currently taking place in Saalbach-Hinterglemm. The coach emphasizes that Puchner's skills could definitely be an advantage in the special conditions of the track and sees her as one of the logical candidates for the World Cup nomination.

However, the competition is strong. Athletes like Ricarda Haaser and Laura Hütter also show promising performances in training. Haaser described her progress as a “great improvement” and was determined to take advantage of her opportunities. For the men, the decisions from the night race spectacles in Schladming and Garmisch-Partenkirchen will soon be waiting for the nomination for the World Cup tickets, like salzburg24.at reported.