ALPINE SKI WORLD CUP. KITZBUEHEL, Austria – Felix Neureuther is the winner of the 2014 Hahnenkamm slalom. After a tight race between him and Marcel Hirscher in the first run, the Austrian straddled a gate in the second and Neureuther was able to celebrate his second career victory at the Classic venue.

Felix Neureuther of Germany competes during the Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup Men's Slalom on January 24, 2014 in Kitzbuehel, Austria. (Photo by Alexis Boichard/Agence Zoom)

“January was a dream month so far for me, it’s crazy,” Neureuther said.

Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup Men's Slalom on January 24, 2014 in Kitzbuehel, Austria. (Photo by Hahnenkamm-Rennen Kitzbühel)

 “It was such a hard race today, maybe the hardest I have ever done. Everything about it was tough; it was so bumpy and hard to ski on. I wanted to do a safe second run and luckily it was enough. I already have a gondola but I am glad to add a second victory to it.”

Marcel Hirscher of Austria competes during the Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup Men's Slalom on January 24, 2014 in Kitzbuehel, Austria. (Photo by Christophe Pallot/Agence Zoom)

Henrik Kristoffersen clocked the second best time of the evening and after Adelboden added another big Classic podium to his account.

Henrik Kristoffersen of Norway takes the 2nd place during the Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup Men's Slalom on January 24, 2014 in Kitzbuehel, Austria. (Photo by Alexis Boichard/Agence Zoom)

“Second run was really good, I made a few small mistakes in the first run but was able to ski smooth second run and I am really happy,” the young Norwegian said.

“I have to train a lot to be able to keep up with the big names such as Marcel or Felix,” he added with a smile.

Italian Veteran Patrick Thaler is skiing some of the best slalom in his career as after almost being dropped from the team he decided to give it one last shot and quickly became the top Italian contender for a podium at this year’s races.

Patrick Thaler of Italy takes the 3rd place during the Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup Men's Slalom on January 24, 2014 in Kitzbuehel, Austria. (Photo by Alexis Boichard/Agence Zoom)

“First run was tough, a tough course set but I managed to ski a decent run. In the second one the plan was to fully attack and for sure I was a bit lucky with Hirscher skiing out. He would have been ahead for sure but he went out and I didn’t… that’s how thing go in this sport,” Thaler said. 

In 2009 a third place in Kitzbuehel was his first big achievement and today he repeated the feat.

“The third place, which I achieved here was my first big success. Then I went off form for some time. Now it feels great to be back on the podium. I’m feeling good, my age is just a number,” the 36-years-old skier said.

Luca Aerni, the 19-years-old Swiss who skied into third position starting 27th in the first run gave it his best shot on keeping his podium position but finished 5th while his teammate Daniel Yule became the surprise of the day as with the best time of the second run he was able to move from 30th to 7th position.

Felix Neureuther of Germany takes the 1st place during the Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup Men's Slalom on January 24, 2014 in Kitzbuehel, Austria. (Photo by Alexis Boichard/Agence Zoom)

Today was the first Kitzbuehel night slalom in recent history but on the 25th December 1950 the Austrian resort hosted the first race under artificial lights in Central Europe providing a spectacular show for the 20000 fans which cheered for their favorites along the course.

Tomorrow the racing program goes on and it’s time for the highlight of the weekend – the downhill race on the Streif starts at 11.45!

FISalpine.com
24 January 2014 12:26