The three-time winner of the race in Sölden and the reigning queen of world skiing Lara Gutová-Behramiová enters the new season with several question marks. The Swiss skier has had a complicated month and admits ahead of the start of the World Cup on Saturday that she is not in the best shape. In addition, the experienced racer has several changes in her team and for the first time in many years she will be racing without a main sponsor on her helmet.
“It was a complicated month, I had a few problems,” admitted the 33-year-old skier. “I was sick, in pain and had to see a surgeon. I had a bad flu, I was in bed for a week and couldn’t eat anything for 4 days.”
Health problems also affected her physical fitness. “I lost a lot of muscle and then the pain came because the knee was no longer stable. I couldn’t do anything for almost 3 weeks,” explains Lara Gutová-Behramiová. “Maybe I’ll be ready on Saturday, but right now I’m at 90 percent. After the race, I’ll have a month to catch up.”
news-item-description">Swiss skipper Lara Gutová-Behramiová ended last season by winning the world cup. Despite her success in March, she talked about stress, fatigue and sometimes she doesn’t like skiing anymore. She did not really see her participation in the upcoming Olympics.
The end of a long-term cooperation
After 12 years, Lara Gutová-Behramiová broke up with her long-time sponsor Ragusa, who became her trademark. “We would like to continue to collaborate with Lara. Unfortunately, we could not reach an agreement in the discussion,” said Jessica Herschkowitz, head of communications for chocolate maker Camille Bloch.
Lara Gutová-Behramiová will arch on the Rettenbach glacier with a black helmet on Saturday. “That’s not fit for a ski queen,” some fans might think. But the truth is that the most famous and successful athlete, he usually has the demands.
According to information from the Swiss Daily Blick, the skier received a mid-six-figure sum annually. Sports marketing expert Janine Geigel commented on the situation: “I am not surprised that Lara Gutová-Behramiová is losing her sponsor after 12 years – it is a long time if a break could happen. But the timing surprises me.’
After breaking up with coach Alejo Hervas in March, who unknowingly decided on an agreement with the men’s team, Lara Gutová-Behramiová found a new reinforcement in Flavio di Giorgio. The former ZSC Lions fitness coach takes care of her physical training. “Thanks to him, I learned a lot of new things. It broadened my horizons,” the Swiss skier recommends the change.
Mental stress and thoughts about the future
As the years go by, her perspective on racing changes as well. “I’m relaxed this summer. But in winter I need some aggression to overcome it. They are not the most beautiful feelings – but they are necessary to overcome yourself. I can’t drive at 90 percent,” explains Lara Gutová-Behramiová.
“It takes a lot of energy. And I feel that it is slowly eating away at me. I love skiing and racing, but at a certain point the mental load is too much,” he admits. “When you’re 20 years old, it’s easier. Totally different. You like traveling the world and skiing. At thirty three you are much more mature.’
More and more often, he also thinks about “normal” life: “I have created a beautiful life for myself outside of skiing – and one day I want to enjoy it fully.” Participation in the 2026 Olympics in Cortina is doubtful: “I don’t want to talk every month whether I’m going to continue or not. At the moment I do not intend to go to Cortina, but to Sölden.’
A month ago, she emphasized that the Olympics in 2026 are definitely realistic. In the last weeks, however, she was plagued by fatigue, fever and pain. “Thoughts arise as to whether it still makes sense. My family has never been to the Olympics. Cortina 2026 would be an amazing end to my career because they would be there. But I have to be healthy.”
Experts still believe it
Despite all the problems, Lara Gutová-Behramiová is still one of the main favorites in Sölden. She has already won there three times in the past. SRF expert Tina Weirather is convinced: “If he can repeat last winter’s performances, he can win the whole World Cup again. Alpine skiing director Hans Flatscher said: “Lara is capable of anything.”
Saturday’s race in Sölden will show whether she has managed to overcome the difficult period and can continue the success of last season. Fog may be the only problem, according to race director Rainer Gstrein, but the organizers are still optimistic.
2024-10-25 14:20:00
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