Giant legend Nef (51) also believes that Gut-Behrami can participate in the overall World Cup: “Lara rides better than ever before.”

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Is there an increase in Dream Winter? Lara Gut-Behrami (32) has experienced it so far: two races, two victories. It is the measure of all things in giant slalom. And the first Swiss woman since Sonja Nef 22 years ago to win twice in a row in the basic discipline of skiing. Nef is therefore impressed by her successor: “Lara drives better than ever for me. If she stays healthy, she can win not only one or two small crystal balls, but also the big ones.”

Oops! Gut-Behrami as overall World Cup winner? Nef is aware that American star Mikaela Shiffrin (28) is in pole position, especially because she competes in four disciplines, while Gut-Behrami only competes in three disciplines. «I assume that Lara will once again be at the forefront of Super-G. And it can also work during the descent. If Shiffrin weakens, it could work.”

How steep? Does not matter! The subfloor? Whatever!

Yet it is not that far yet. The victories of Gut-Behrami in Sölden (Austria) and Killington (USA) are signs enough for Nef that their wave of success in Mont-Tremblant (Ka) does not have to break. “There were two completely different slopes, with different profiles and very different snow. The fact that Lara rode so well on both is revealing,” said the Appenzell resident.

She herself experienced this feeling that everything works – no matter what – in her best phase. “You don’t think about it, you just drive. Everything will be fine, nothing can stop you. It’s a wonderful feeling.”

“Lara’s bite makes a huge impression on me”

Nef’s peak was extremely extreme in the winter of 2000/2001: at that time she won six of the eight giant slaloms in the World Cup and became world champion in St. Anton (Austria). Not by some means, but by 1.10 seconds ahead of Karen Putzer (45, It).

Nef was 28 years old at the time – she knew she wouldn’t be able to drive forever because of her serious knee problems. ‘I started thinking about other things. “Even about children,” she says. She rates Gut-Behrami’s performance even more highly. «Lara is 32 and does everything she can to be successful. I am extremely impressed by this bite,” says the mother of three, who is married to Alpine director Hans Flatscher.

Crucial: will Gut-Behrami stay healthy?

Can Nef imagine that Gut-Behrami will extend her winning streak this weekend? She herself triumphed six times in a row in her dream winter. “It’s hard to predict. Everything depends on whether Lara remains physically fit. If so, anything is possible. In any case, I’m rooting for her in front of the TV!”

Source : Blick