Every race for big points in the overall World Cup: Austria’s Schwarz declares war on Odermatt

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Until the last ski season, Marco Schwarz (27) was considered a technology specialist. The Austrian achieved four World Cup victories (two slaloms, one city event and one combination) and eleven other podiums (ten of which in slalom).

However, he started last season with the new plan to also participate in speed competitions.

Brilliant downhill debut

If Schwarz missed the points in the first Super-G in 36th, he showed a brilliant downhill debut. With starting number 31 he raced to sixth place on the Lauberhorn and a few weeks later he finally demonstrated his all-round qualities at the World Cup. Black competed in all five individual races and was never worse than sixth. He started his journey home with a combination of silver, giant bronze and a fourth-place finish in the downhill. And finished second in the final Super-G of the winter, taking his first speed podium.

No wonder that the speed races also play a major role in the planning for the next season. As he reveals to the “Krone”, the Kitzbühel descent is marked in red on the calendar. And that, although by the end of winter he already knew: “Four disciplines are brutal, almost impossible.” Yet he only recently visited the Streif – for the fourth time he walked the route.

As many slaloms as last time in 1985/86

Marco Odermatt (25) drives three. Only the slalom remains, with which Black can gain an advantage with every point won. In an interview with the “Krone” there is a clear announcement in the direction of the Swiss. When asked how many races he considers possible, Schwarz says: “At best, all of them!”

Even though he puts it into perspective that this will be difficult with the many trips. “To be able to play a role in the overall World Cup, I need more big points.”

Important points, such as those in the slalom. There are 13 races on the schedule – more than ever since the 1985/86 season. And especially three more than last winter.

Not even half as many points

There will be no more races for Odermatt. With nine Super-G and eleven giant slaloms, one more is scheduled than last season, but with twelve runs that is two less.

Nevertheless, the dominator of the past two winters is again the favorite for the overall World Cup. Black should not only run more races before a duel, but also be more consistent in the front ranks.

Last winter he scored 863 points, not even half as much as Odermatt (2042 points). In addition, with Aleksander Aamodt Kilde (30) there is also the worst Odermatt opponent of recent years. The Norwegian will probably get that role again. (bir)

Source : Blick