Oldie Innerhofer meets younger von Allmen: “You should avoid sex before the match!”

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When Christof Innerhofer took part in his first World Cup slalom race in Levi (Fi) on November 20, 2006, Franjo von Allmen from the Bernese Oberland was a four-year-old boy. The young man, who grew up in Boltigen at the foot of the Jaun Pass, has now developed into a strong indicator of the old master from South Tyrol. With second place in the overall downhill rankings in the European Cup, Von Allmen has secured a permanent place for this World Cup season. In the Hyat Bar in Beaver Creek, a humorous conversation takes place between the youngster from the Simmental and the downhill classic from South Tyrol.

Binnenhofer: Franjo, did you work as a butcher?

From Allmen: No, why do you think that?

Binnenhofer: I read that you make sausages.

From Allmen: When I won three silver medals at the Junior World Championships in 2022, our village butcher invented the “Silberblitz-Wurscht” in my honor. But I learned carpentry.

Binnenhofer: Then we both know what really hard work means: I used to work in construction.

From Allmen: I’m very impressed with you. The fact that you are still achieving such strong sporting performances at the age of almost 40 is truly extraordinary. And I think I know a recipe for your success.

Binnenhofer: What recipe for success are you talking about?

From Allmen: I always think you are very happy. And that’s why I believe you’ve been able to compete at a high level for so long, because you really love ski racing.

Binnenhofer: I get goosebumps when you say that. And you’re right. I enjoy that I can still do what I love full-time. I love that I can compete with guys who could almost be my kids. Competing against the boys keeps me fit. For me it is also a bit of an attempt to freeze time. Even though I realize that of course it won’t work. But as I sit here with you, I have special memories of my first race at Beaver Creek in 2007.

From Allmen: What was so special then?

Binnenhofer: I can still remember exactly how I visited the steep slope with your famous compatriot Didier Cuche and how he gave me the tip that I should put on my skis before the wave. I thought that was way too early. Didier said: “Okay, just drive straight ahead, you’ll see what happens!” I’m glad I took his advice. Because of my curiosity I learned a lot from the veterans and thanks to them I grew quickly. And that is why I would like to advise you to also ask older drivers for advice.

From Allmen: I haven’t done that very often. I am naturally reserved towards people I meet newly.

Binnenhofer: Then I ask you something very important: Do you know how much protein you consume per day?

From Allmen: No I do not know?

Binnenhofer: I know my protein balance very well; Proteins are particularly useful for recovery. But at your age you recover much faster.

From Allmen: It depends. When I have to get used to a new slope and environment like here at Beaver Creek, I use more energy. And because of that I also noticed that it is important to eat healthy. But I don’t always eat healthy.

Binnenhofer: What I’m especially interested in: What are you thinking in the last five minutes before the start of the race?

From Allmen: Before I enter the starting house, I memorize the run again. In the starting gate I plan to have a lot of fun riding. I always try to remind myself that it is a privilege to be able to pursue this wonderful sport as a career.

Binnenhofer: It always worked best for me when I was very angry in the beginning. Just like in 2013 on the Lauberhorn!

From Allmen: What made you so angry?

Binnenhofer: A few hours before the start, my teammate Peter Fill claimed that my girlfriend had met another man. Then I started the race so aggressively. Peter’s statement made me angry and passionate. After driving through the Brüggli-S and through the tunnel, I said to myself: now I’m going to show my girlfriend who’s boss here. And I actually won the race.

From Allmen: That wouldn’t work for me. At first I have to keep my emotions in check. When I’m too busy and want too much, I make too many mistakes.

Binnenhofer: How many ski boots do you have with you?

From Allmen: Two pairs. But I only need one pair. I keep the other shoes with me in case something breaks on the model I prefer.

Binnenhofer: That would never be enough for me, which is why I have seven pairs in my luggage so that I am really prepared for any eventuality. Sometimes I even arrived with eleven pairs of shoes.

From Allmen: If I had so many shoes to choose from, I’d get bogged down in voting.

Binnenhofer: I partly agree with you on this point. Sometimes I thought too much about this area. That’s why I now only have seven pairs instead of eleven… I want to give you one last piece of advice.

From Allmen: Which?

Binnenhofer: Sex before the race is not good!

From Allmen: Serious?

Binnenhofer: I’m completely serious. I’m not going to train thousands of hours and waste valuable energy on sex the day before the race. But after the race it is important that you don’t do stupid things sometimes. I’ve done that enough to be able to switch off really well. I have always gone my own way. When I appeared in the newspaper for my sponsor wearing only my underwear, many people wondered: “Is Innerhofer completely crazy?” My coach told me he doesn’t like it at all. But it didn’t matter to me at all.

From Allmen: I’d have to get my body in a little better shape to advertise underwear.

Binnenhofer: It will be okay, dear Franjo!

Source : Blick