Vlhová compares Magoni with the new coach: Then I think, thank God

She was preparing for the new year in Italy, but she didn’t miss the Swiss slopes either. Less than two weeks before the start of the season, he feels he needs a few more days in the snow. She will complete her preparations in Austria, where the inaugural World Cup races await her, a huge slalom in Sölden.

A year ago she left with third place, this time she would like to start a little better. “The first rounds in Sölden didn’t work out for me, so now I’m trying to prepare better. If I want to win, I need both rounds for that. I’m quite good at the latter, ” said Vlhová after the press conference.

The higher difficulty of the Vlhová slope does not interfere, on the contrary, in the case of ideal weather, it is one of its favorites. “I think it fits me because I like challenging hills. I have the necessary technique and strength for this. But of course, there are many factors that can affect this. We will see what the conditions will be. Last year there was fog in the 1st round. In general, the hill is difficult also because it is high, so we are a little out of breath when we come down, but I think it suits me. ”

In addition to better weather, athletes should also be pleased by the better spectator scenery, which was absent last year due to epidemiological measures. According to Skiweltcup.tv, about 5,000 fans are expected this time. “If they allow it, I will be happy to have fans there. I hope it moves a little and people can walk. ”

After a demanding and nerve-racking chase behind points and a large crystal globe, Vlhová has regenerated and is entering a new year in a positive mood. But he does not want to overtake with the results yet. “I feel good in giant slalom and slalom, but also in speed disciplines. We will try to do our best and find a form to make it as good as possible in Sölden.

I can’t predict what it will be like. I can only evaluate my feelings. Now I’m looking forward to the race, and the functioning of being together. I have a great team, I laugh a lot, I’m even happier than I used to be. In this way, it is also transferred to the skis, so it fills me more. ”

New coach and change of priorities

There is no doubt that the Slovak skier will be the winner of the World Cup under the scrutiny of fans and rivals. The curiosity of alpine skiing enthusiasts will probably be more focused on defending last year’s results, as the leader of the overall standings has ended her long-standing collaboration with Italian coach Livio Magoni, with whom she has achieved all previous successes from medal campaigns at the world championships to small globes.

Public discussions on whether Swiss Mauro Pini will be a suitable replacement for Vlhová expects, but at the same time adds that this change was necessary and came in handy. “It’s normal for a person to compare, and I won’t blame people when they compare that it was different with Livio and Mauro. But they have to respect that it was my decision. That’s life. Now I’m happy, I needed this change. I wanted it too. It was not easy. I also sometimes compare them, and then I think, thank God. ”