Gear up for Alex Schmid's thrilling return to the Alpine Ski World Cup! After suffering a crushing cruciate ligament rupture last winter, the Allgäu native is back in action, leading the charge for the giant slalom in Val d'Isère on March 9 (09:30/13:00 CET, ARD and Eurosport). Despite the setback, Schmid (29) maintains optimism, sharing in a recent DSV statement, "I'm feeling great! I can now ski without any pain, just taking it easy during recovery periods."
The comeback of this tenacious German champion has ski fans and competitors alike on the edge of their seats, with Val d'Isère holding a special place in Schmid's heart, being the scene of his very first top 10 finish in the World Cup way back in 2017.
Among the DSV's four nominees for the giant slalom event, it's Linus Straßer who will spearhead a five-strong German team in the slalom on March 12 (09:30/12:30 CET, ARD and Eurosport).
In St. Moritz, from March 10 to 12, women skiers Kathrin Hirtl-Stanggaßinger, Emma Aicher, and podium contender Kira Weidle will be battling it out in three events – two super-G and one downhill. With an exhilarating slalom bout in the horizon, don't miss the Val d'Isère giant slalom for an intense display of power, skill, and grit from top skiers from all over the world.
Before you tune in, it's worth noting that Schmid's rivalry with French skier Sebastian Foss-Solevåg adds an extra dash of excitement to the race. Both athletes have a history of close calls and fierce competition, with Foss-Solevåg edging out Schmid in some previous standings. With both having recovered from ACL injuries, the Val d'Isère event promises to be a showdown between these two tenacious titans.
Swiss vet Didier Cuche and Italian racing star Dominik Paris are also in the mix, making for an intense and fiercely contested race. Their tactical prowess and endurance over high-pressure situations will serve them well in this high-stakes duel.
Unfortunately, determining Schmid's exact odds and competition dynamics against these formidable opponents is a complex task. However, we can make a few observations based on the available information:
- Schmid's recovery and performance could play a significant role in his odds. His previous standings have been affected by his injury, which might set him back slightly in the race against competitors like Foss-Solevåg, Cuche, and Paris.
- The course in Val d'Isère is known for its challenging Ochsenritt section, requiring precision and power from the skiers. Those who excel in this aspect often perform well on this course.
- There are several factors that can contribute to a skier's success, such as form, technique, and mental resilience. These will be crucial for Schmid and his competitors in the race.
In the end, while Schmid has the potential to put up a strong performance, his odds might be lower compared to runners like Foss-Solevåg, Cuche, and Paris if he's not at his best. The race will undoubtedly be heated, and with plenty of surprises and twists along the way, it promises to be one for the ages. Don't miss it!
