Featured Image: Alex Vinatzer finishing a World Cup run. Credit: GEPA
In the 36th and bonus episode of the Skiing is Believing podcast, Alan and Matt had the privilege to welcome one of Italy’s best current racers, Alex Vinatzer, who successfully qualified for both the slalom and giant slalom of the FIS World Cup Finals last season.
Alex talked about the ski racing atmosphere he grew up in, having spent his entire life in Val Gardena. He mentioned that he wasn’t always eager to hit the slopes, but that all changed once he started skiing through the gates and discovered the thrill of competition.
He also shared his experiences with his two medals from the World Junior Championships and the anticipated achievements that followed his gold medal win at the 2019 Junior Champs held in Val di Fassa. Additionally, he discussed his World Cup accomplishments, which included two podium finishes both before and after the pandemic.
He reflected on his bronze medal win at the 2023 World Championships in Courchevel, cherishing it as one of the highlights of his career, along with all the emotions he experienced that day. After having finished fourth in the 2021 race at home in Cortina, he went one better. He aims to progress to one better this year in Saalbach.
From the interview, you can tell that Alex possesses a strong determination to be successful in both technical disciplines. Additionally, we discuss the various boot scenarios he has experienced over the past year. Following a successful training camp in Argentina, he believes that Atomic is a good setup for the upcoming season.
We finished the episode with quick-fire questions. Alex gave several interesting answers, including his favorite place to ski and his ambitious goals for the 2024/25 FIS World Cup season.
Please let the podcast know what you thought of this article, episode, or any of our episodes throughout the last year. We really appreciate any feedback we can get. Find us on Instagram, Spotify, and YouTube @skiingisbelievingpodcast, or email us via mattgarcka.skiingisbelievingpodcast@gmail.com.
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