The Swiss double victory in the Lauberhorn downhill by Marco Odermatt and Franjo von Allmen also thrilled the Swiss slalom skiers. Marc Rochat said during a media round that he followed the race with excitement – in his hotel room in bed. “I wouldn’t dare start from up there,” admits the Vaudois.
The 32-year-old is very happy for the two of them, “that was unbelievable, a spectacle.” Just because the downhill skiers were now celebrating a double victory, he and his Swiss slalom colleagues didn’t feel any more pressure. On the contrary: “It motivates us.” That’s why Rochat makes a bold announcement: “I think we have good chances as a team. That’s why I hope that we can get a double victory on Sunday – it’s quite possible.”
When asked about this announcement, Daniel Yule said: “It’s certainly possible, but I’m concentrating on my performance and trying to get two good runs down. If that’s enough to get you to the front, then great. If a colleague completes it, that’s brilliant. But I’ve often made the mistake of thinking about the result instead of the performance.” The Valaisian no longer wants to do that.
The 31-year-old is getting better and better. But why should a podium or even victory happen in Wengen of all places? «Well, I like the slope. And it’s time, the will is there. The trend is upwards. There is little left to make it work again. Hopefully that can be the case again in Wengen.”
What does Loïc Meillard, the most successful Swiss slalom skier this winter, say about taking a first Swiss victory in Wengen since 1987 (when Joël Gaspoz won)? “That would be great, perfect,” he replies and laughs.
-Of course, he tries every time to win. «I always do my best, I can’t do anything more. There wasn’t much missing a few times.” If you’re on the podium, that’s a good thing, it shows that you’ve got what it takes to ski – “and I just have to keep going, victory will come at some point,” the 28-year-old is convinced. Well, Swiss ski fans would certainly like to celebrate a third victory on the third day of the Lauberhorn races. The first run will be available live from 10:15 a.m.
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