From construction to world class: Von Allmen writes the next Swiss ski fairytale

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Last year, downhill king Beat Feuz announced his resignation three days after the speed races in Val Gardena. This week, in his new role as SRF expert on the Saslong, the Olympic champion commented on the exploits of two Bernese Oberlanders who could follow in his enormous footsteps.

On Thursday, Marco Kohler (26) from Meiringen thundered to eighth place in the shortened descent in his third World Cup appearance. 24 hours later, Franjo von Allmen (22) from Boltigen finished ninth in his third race at the highest level with starting number 44.

Von Allmen noticed Feuz last year. «I trained with Franjo in Zermatt. Since he, like me, is equipped by Head, we switched skis a few times. He really is a “good” person and, as a ski racer, an absolute diamond in the rough!”

Many parallels with Beat Feuz

In other words: the three-time vice world junior champion is in many ways reminiscent of the young Beat Feuz. Both on and off the slopes.

Both grew up on a farm and specialized in construction for the ski circus. The Emmentaler Feuz learned to be a bricklayer, the Simmentaler from Allmen Zimmermann. “I still occasionally help out in my teacher Stephan Schletti’s case; working with wood is the ideal balance between ski racing for me.”

Despite the hard work, “FvA” is as far away from a six-pack as ball lightning. “If I wanted to advertise underwear like the Italian Christof Innerhofer, I would have to get my upper body in better shape,” smiles the 1.83 meter tall and 96 kilogram weighing speed specialist. «I know that a healthy diet is important for a competitive athlete. But that doesn’t always work, especially my chocolate consumption is sometimes too high.”

Start accident during descent

But chocolate is known to be particularly helpful in frustrating moments. And immediately after the departure on Thursday, Von Allmen was particularly frustrated because his stick broke when the start was activated. As a result, he narrowly missed the first starting points in 35th place. “If this accident had not happened, Franjo would have been eligible for a top place in the descent,” Feuz is convinced.

On Saturday, the top talent will get the next chance in the highest discipline: the original descent starts at 11.45 am on the Saslong (live at Blick in the ticker).

Source : Blick