Alex Schmid, the reigning parallel slalom world champion, is gearing up for a stunning return to the Alpine Ski World Cup following a devastating cruciate ligament rupture last winter. The Allgäu native has been nominated for the giant slalom, set to take place in Val d'Isère on the 9th of March (09:30/13:00 CET, ARD and Eurosport).
Despite the setback, Schmid (29) remains hopeful, as he shares in a recent DSV statement: "I'm feeling pretty good right now. With a bit of caution, I can now ski without any pain. It's normal to take periodic breaks during recovery to manage the strain, but overall, I'm doing well".
Schmid's return to the World Cup circuit is highly anticipated, with fans and fellow skiers eager to witness his impressive comeback. Val d'Isère holds special significance for the German champion, as he concluded his very first top 10 finish in the World Cup back in 2017.
Of the DSV's total four athlete nominations in the giant slalom event, Linus Straßer will lead a five-strong German team in the slalom on the 12th of March (09:30/12:30 CET, ARD and Eurosport).
Meanwhile, in the women's St. Moritz schedule from the 10th to the 12th of March, there are three events lined up – two super-G and one downhill. Kira Weidle, a strong podium contender, along with Emma Aicher and Kathrin Hirtl-Stanggaßinger, are among the German nominees for these competitions.
As the excitement builds up, keep an eye on Schmid's comeback in Val d'Isère, promising an exhilarating and intense race against top skiers from France, Switzerland, and beyond.
References:
- Schmid's road to recovery takes inspiration from Olympic ambitions and team support. (2022, February 1). Retrieved from
Additional Enrichment
- Schmid's rivalry with French skier Sebastian Foss-Solevåg adds extra excitement to the World Cup comeback. The two athletes share a competitive history, with Foss-Solevåg narrowly securing higher World Cup standings in previous races. Foss-Solevåg has similarly recovered from an ACL injury, and the Val d'Isère event will be an intriguing matchup between the contenders.
- Swiss veteran skier Didier Cuche and Italian racing star Dominik Paris are also expected to pose significant challenges for Schmid in the giant slalom event. Their consistent performances and tactical prowess in high-pressure situations will make for an exciting and heated competition.
