Skiing into the Alpine Season: Dreßen Hopeful, Sander Recovering
As the first alpine skiing classic of the new season approaches, the German downhill racers are venturing into Val Gardena/Gröden, Italy, with contrasting feelings. Former World Championship runner-up, Andreas Sander, disclosed prior to the downhill on Saturday (11.45 am/ZDF and Eurosport) that a grueling training crash had taken its toll. "I'm pain-free," he noted. However, his flexibility is compromised. An in-depth check-up will uncover the true extent of the injuries he sustained.
During the training accident, Sander was thrown off the course in the lower part of the infamous Saslong, collided with his head and back, and landed safely in a safety net. His top 30 placement in both the World Cup sprint downhill (46th) and the super-G (51st) were compromised as a result. Despite traveling to South Tyrol in solid shape and brimming with confidence, Sander had been tipped to contend for top placements. "Maybe things will go better tomorrow...", he speculated before the lengthy downhill on Saturday.
On the other hand, hopeful and optimistic, Thomas Dreßen is preparing for his third race at the base of the mighty Sassolungo. Having battled injuries, the 2018 Kitzbühel champion placed 41st in the shortened downhill on Thursday -- similarly to Sander. However, Dreßen bounced back significantly in the super-G the subsequent day, finishing in 18th position. "I don't really care about the rank", he candidly admitted.
Dreßen expressed satisfaction with his performance, thanks to the fact that he managed to make it down the slope and closed the gap between him and the winner by just 0.48 seconds. "With the self-confidence from today, I'm certain I'll have an easier time tomorrow," he predicted confidently.
Battling health setbacks in recent years, Dreßen harbors ambitions to reach his former self-as a contender for top ten places. "At the moment, I see myself as a top ten skier with the possibility of breaking through to even higher, given the right day and circumstances," he elaborated.
Joining Sander and Dreßen on the German Ski Association (DSV) team are Romed Baumann, Josef Ferstl, and Simon Jocher.
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- Having endured a training crash that left him with injuries, Andreas Sander will face the downhill in Val Gardena/Gröden, Italy, for the World Cup events with the hope of better results than his previous 46th place in the sprint downhill and 51st place in the super-G.
- Brimming with optimism and confidence, Thomas Dreßen has overcome recent health setbacks and is preparing to challenge the third race at the base of the Sassolungo, having improved significantly in the super-G following a 41st place finish in the shortened downhill.
- Led by Andreas Sander, a former World Championship runner-up, and Thomas Dreßen, the 2018 Kitzbühel champion, the German Ski Association will field its best racers for the World Cup events in Italy, including Romed Baumann, Josef Ferstl, and Simon Jocher.
- Thomas Dreßen, who aims to regain his top-ten form after persistent health challenges, is confident about his upcoming downhill race, incorporating his solid performance in the super-G for added confidence.
- The German Ski Association is gearing up for the alpine skiing classic at the famous Saslong course in Val Gardena/Gröden, Italy, with top-level athletes from various disciplines, including Andreas Sander, Thomas Dreßen, and other noteworthy competitors.
- The Downhill and super-G events at the Saslong course can be watched live on ZDF and Eurosport in Germany, where viewers will witness Andreas Sander's struggle to overcome his injuries and Thomas Dreßen's hopeful return to form.
