Kriechmayr's challenge: does he create the Kitzbühel breakthrough?

Kriechmayr's challenge: does he create the Kitzbühel breakthrough?

in Kitzbühel, where the Schneke-Koloss fight for the prestigious departure victory, the Austrian skiing mass face a huge challenge. While the World Cup departure is at the door on Sunday, the question arises: How fit is Vincent Kriechmayr after his fall? According to a report by OE24.de, the Upper Austrian has risen well and is ready to start despite continuing uncertainties. "Nevertheless, you shouldn't overestimate your trip," warned Rainer Schönfelder, as the first training runs are often reluctant to save reserves for the World Cup race.

Kriechmayr's fighting spirit

Kriechmayr, who has never been able to win on the legendary streak, considers himself an outsider, but has remarkable advantages: This season he already defeated the Aleksander Aamodt Kilde downhill dominator and secured victories in Val Gardena and Bormio. "If you look at my last Kitzbühel results, I am certainly not one of the favorites. I can only surprise myself," said the double world champion of 2021. His best place in Kitzbühel was a second place in 2020, but the past few years were characterized by setbacks. "Everything takes place in the head," analyzed Kriechmayr and emphasized that a 100 percent conviction is needed to be successful on this demanding route, as he explains in a report by Laola1.at.

An unexpected setback for the team is Matthias Mayer's resignation, one of his closest rivals and friends. Mayer, who was considered a mentor, left great footsteps - an emotional cut for Kriechmayr: "He made us all better." This weekend, the Upper Austrian is not only the race at the game, but also the honor of reaching his limits in the role of the unbeaten Speed ​​driver. In the Speed ​​driver's WhatsApp group, there are already plans for a farewell party in honor of Mayer. Kriechmayr is determined to apply the lessons of his predecessor in this decisive race and hopes for a positive surprise on the dreaded slopes.