Kriechmayr: Bitter defeat in Val Gardena – everything was different back then!

Kriechmayr: Bitter defeat in Val Gardena – everything was different back then!

Vincent Kriechmayr, the 33-year-old 2021 double world champion, is in a difficult phase in his career. After a disappointing 55th place in the downhill classic on the Saslong in Val Gardena, the former winner is anything but satisfied on this route. In a self-critical analysis, Kriechmayr said that he lacked his usual speed and that he maneuvered himself into dangerous situations during the race. “I keep making mistakes that shouldn’t happen,” said Kriechmayr, who had already started fifth and sixth in Beaver Creek, but the placings in Val Gardena are unacceptable for him. “Something has to change now,” he told the courier.

“The fire burns inside me,” assures Kriechmayr, who hopes to improve his performance soon despite the current challenges. The anticipation for the upcoming Super-G race is palpable, even if the expectations of oneself remain enormous. "I generally think self-criticism is important. My standards are different - and I think it's no different with Feller, Odermatt or Sarrazin," Kriechmayr continues. But even with all his disappointment, he has a positive view of the Saslong, which he describes as a true classic, and wonders how one could feel hatred in such an environment as it is sometimes described. “We all feel so comfortable here, we are doing great,” he said with a wink as he looked back on his successes in the past, including three World Cup victories on this route Small newspaper reported.

However, Kriechmayr also has serious concerns about his career. “If I continue like this, then I'll throw my hat on it,” he announced, if there is no improvement. Given the pressure, high expectations and constant self-analysis, the pressure on the athlete is enormous. Nevertheless, he doesn't just want to rely on others, but rather takes responsibility for his own achievements. “I do things like I always do,” explains the athlete, aware that the challenge lies not only in training, but also in mental preparation and execution during the competition. His focus remains clear: “It’s about making sure your mind is ready to step up a gear in the race.”