EActually, it was Julian Schütter’s turn at the ski race in Bormio, Italy. But when the Austrian wanted to start his run in the Super-G, someone else had pushed ahead – on four legs and without skis. A dog wagged across the “Pista Stelvio”. After Cyprien Sarrazin’s fall, some safety fences buckled on Thursday. The animal took the chance.
Athletes and spectators enjoyed the strange interruption, especially since the dog made a run that was well worth seeing. “He even has the ideal line there,” exclaimed enthusiastic commentators on Austrian television. The animal took bumps in the road, but then went fatally wrong in the direction and ran up the track before running out of breath. Then it was the professional’s turn. Schütter started – on two feet and with skis
Unimpressed by Matthias Mayer’s declaration of resignation and the dog on the course, Swiss alpine high-flyer Marco Odermatt achieved his fifth World Cup title this winter in Bormio. The 25-year-old ski racer won the Super-G on Thursday with a lead of 0.64 seconds over Austria’s Vincent Kriechmayr and further extended his lead in the overall World Cup. Third was Loic Meillard from Switzerland (+1.22).
Matthias Mayer just stops
Around a month before the World Cup in France, the Germans missed out on the top ten. Josef Ferstl, who was injured after his fall the day before, took 16th place as the best DSV athlete. Andreas Sander (20th) and Romed Baumann (31st) fell short of their expectations. Dominik Schwaiger retired again after a driving error.
Immediately before the race, the three-time Olympic champion Mayer surprisingly announced the end of his career. “It is enough. I just don’t have the bite anymore,” Mayer explained his decision on ORF with a smile. Hardly a trace of parting pain. Particularly curious: Neither Mayer’s family nor the trainers or the Austrian Ski Association were in the know. “There were no signs at all,” said ÖSV speed coach Sepp Brunner on Thursday, speaking of a “brutal surprise.”
In the ORF interview, Mayer was actually supposed to be asked about the Super-G route, which he had visited immediately before. “Yes, the slope is very good. I also feel fit,” Mayer introduced his unforeseen presentation. Then he explained his abrupt end to his career: “I’ve always wanted to do it, just stop spontaneously. I don’t need a specific reason for it.”
When those responsible for the ÖSV had freed themselves from their initial shock, they paid tribute to one of the best ski racers in their history. “Matthias left indelible marks on skiing. His ability to go the extra mile at major events and deliver the best performance at the decisive moment was unique. He was an exceptional talent on the slopes,” said ÖSV President Roswitha Stadlober.
With his Olympic victory in Super-G in China in February, the eleven-time World Cup winner achieved something historic. He was the first alpine skier to win a gold medal in three consecutive games. Mayer had won the downhill in Sochi in 2014 and also in the Super-G in Pyeongchang in 2018. Mayer has already been on the podium twice this winter. “It’s not about the form. I could go on like this for another ten years. But I’ve had enough for now,” said the veteran.
