Harsh criticism from the drivers: The first training in Crans-Montana left red heads

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Spring-like atmosphere in Crans-Montana USA. In the finish area of ​​the Mont Lachaux piste at 1,545 meters it is almost t-shirt weather. The sun is burning, there are hardly any clouds or wind. But it’s not just the weather (six degrees) that is hot; some riders are also at operating temperature after their first downhill training. “The lowest part of the course is not World Cup worthy. You can’t get a grip, you slip – it doesn’t feel good,” says Jasmine Flury (30).

The downhill world champion is not the only one who has criticism. Norwegian skier Kajsa Vickhoff Lie (25) says: “They are not the best salters here. You would have to fly over 100 Norwegians to do this job, then it would be perfect.” You don’t need to add more salt, but you do need to salt it well. For them, this means: first shear, then salt – and let the ramp rest for at least 30 minutes. Then she points to the last dish and says: “Look, Now they add salt. While the training. That’s too late.”

“Difficult, just soft”

Michelle Gisin (30) is more moderate, but speaks of ‘fat’ snow. World Cup downhill leader Stephanie Venier (30, Austria) says: “It’s difficult, just soft – classic Crans-Montana.” After all, for the Italian ski queen Federica Brignone (33), it is not the last gear that is problematic, but the top part. “But it’s not dangerous.”

In fact, there was no crash for a long time – until starting number 53 and Ania Monica Caill (28). The Romanian falls after the finish, remains down and is transported to Sion Hospital. There are fears of a shoulder injury. The best Swiss woman is Lara Gut-Behrami in ninth place (+0.64) – but times and rankings have no meaning.

Back to the drivers’ criticism. Blick confronts track manager Patrice Morisod. He says: “We have two problem areas. First the Bosse du Président and then the finishing track. I accept the objections. But it’s just that the salt doesn’t work forever.”

It is clear to him that Thursday’s training sessions must be canceled – due to rising temperatures – but also to protect the slopes. In fact, the weathermen predict six degrees plus – at the start at 2210 meters. Morisod: “When we drive, it’s nonsense. Then we would jeopardize Friday’s race.”

Jumping completely unnecessary?

But there’s something else that makes Flury shake his head: the target jump. “He has a nose and is like a kicker. And then you end up in soft snow. It’s the same every year. I don’t understand why this jump is even necessary. It’s unnecessary.”

Anyone who thinks Morisod is shaking his head about this is wrong: “Jasmine is right, we are still making the jump. And I also think that from a sporting point of view it makes no sense – this jump is a marketing thing because you can place advertisements with it.

Source : Blick