Women’s trio with ambitions for the home World Cup
Sports
Three Austrian mountain bikers start this weekend in Leogang with legitimate hopes of a podium finish in their home World Cup. The extended circle of favorites includes the Saalbach downhill local hero Valentina Höll and the Tyrolean Laura Stigger and Mona Mitterwallner.
Encouraged by her expected start into the season, Stigger is in good spirits. She draws additional motivation from her first podium finish in the World Cup in Leogang last year. “Of course, a home World Cup is always special, you want to show what you’re made of, but you can’t put too much pressure on yourself,” emphasized the 21-year-old, who finished second in the short race at this year’s World Cup opener in Brazil.
Austrians want to show off
Mitterwallner, who is a year younger, has already completely fulfilled the high expectations after U23 series wins in the elite, with her third place in Albstadt being outstanding. Now she wants to shine in front of a home crowd. “I have a really good feeling because I’m going to Leogang with the knowledge that I’ve written hard and done everything,” said Mitterwallner, who once again has nothing less than victory in mind. “Leogang means a lot to me. I hope that I can do what I have in mind in front of a home crowd. My form feels good. I definitely want to be at the top of the podium on Sunday.” The top favorite, however, is four-time winner of the season, Rebecca McConnell (AUS).
Hell could defend World Cup title
In the men’s category, however, the top Austrian riders around Gregor Raggl, Karl Markt and Max Foidl are out of the question. But very well defending World Cup champion Höll in downhill. The 20-year-old from Saalbach will finally master her home course perfectly after falling at the 2020 home World Championships and in the World Cup last year. The Styrian David Trummer, sensational vice world champion in a rain mud battle in Leogang in 2020, should be able to compete for top 15 places in downhill.
Up to 10,000 visitors
This year, for the first time, both World Cup disciplines are gathered in one place in Leogang. It starts on Friday evening with the short track for Stigger and Mitterwallner. On Saturday, Höll races down the selected Asitz route to Tale before the cross-country decisions are made on Sunday. After two years without an audience, up to 10,000 fans a day are expected in Salzburg this time.