With just under half the season gone, Lindsey Vonn is well on her way to successfully defending her title – the overall World Cup victory. Following Marburg and ahead of Altenmarkt, the American talks about her strength in the slalom, girls’ talk – and the upcoming skiing World Championships.
Lindsey, you’re currently placed third in the overall World Cup standings – 113 points behind the leader and your friend Maria Riesch. Are you satisfied with the season up to now?
Yes, I am – mainly with my results in the slalom. Last year I had to be happy with collecting a few World Cup points in the slalom – this year I could win at any time.
Are you surprised that the slalom has gone so well?
No, not really. I was already pretty quick at training. What’s surprising is that I was able to win the very first slalom of the season in Levi.
A super combination and a downhill are coming up next weekend in Altenmarkt-Zauchensee after a long break. Are you looking forward to it?
I can hardly wait! I finally get to do a downhill. After all the slaloms and giant slaloms I really do miss the high speeds. We’ve only had one downhill this winter … but I won that one.
Do you like the slope in Altenmarkt?
I like the course, and it suits me pretty well. I like technically challenging courses. It was mainly the middle part that was icy and difficult to navigate last year.
Everyone is talking about the big overall World Cup duel between you and Maria Riesch. What does it feel like to have your best friend in the women’s World Cup as your biggest rival for the big crystal ball?
It’s a great feeling, but nothing new for us. At the end of last season we had a similar situation. Maria and I get along beautifully. Often we analyze our races together and talk a lot – about things like our competition or the course. About pretty much everything. We both get something out of it. And if I can’t win a particular race, I couldn’t want more for Maria to win it.
In the World Cup you’ve got a huge program. What do you actually do when you’ve got a couple of days off?
Sleep! [Laughs]. As much as possible. Yesterday I even slept for 14 hours. Otherwise I use the time to write emails or do my laundry … and try to relax. That’s the most important thing in such a strenuous season.
On February 3 the World Championships are starting in Val d’Isere, and in the meantime you’re one of the medal favorites in all five disciplines. What’s the smallest goal you’ve set your sights on?
Hmm ... a gold medal would be nice.
And in which discipline?
If I could choose, I’d pick the downhill. But if I were to win in any of the others, I’d be okay with that as well [laughs].
Add a comment
Comments