Alpine Skiing World Cup Kicks Off in Sölden, But Finnish Male Skiers Are Absent
The Alpine Skiing World Cup is set to launch this weekend in Sölden, Austria, a prominent venue for winter sports enthusiasts. However, this year’s opening race will unfold without Finland’s male skiers, a fact that has cast a shadow over the event for former world champion Kalle Palander.
Palander, reflecting on the situation, expressed his disappointment: “It’s embarrassing. This would have been an invaluable opportunity for our young skiers to gain experience in a competitive environment. I’m genuinely surprised they chose not to seize it.”
The season begins with the giant slalom, featuring the women on Saturday as they navigate the steep slopes of the Rettenbach glacier. Finnish athlete Erika Pykäläinen will compete, marking her place in the early season races. The men will take to the slopes on Sunday, but without their Finnish counterparts, the atmosphere will inevitably feel incomplete.
Palander, a revered figure in the skiing world and the 1999 slalom world champion, voiced particular concern for young skiers like Eduard Hallberg and Elian Lehto, who could benefit from the experience. Hallberg specializes in technical disciplines, including slalom and giant slalom, while Lehto races in speed events like downhill and super-G.
“The Sölden slope is unforgiving,” Palander cautioned. “It takes a toll on your legs and is a challenging environment to navigate. If our skiers aim to compete at this level someday, they need to immerse themselves in these tough situations. Yes, finishing 53rd might sting, but it’s essential learning for the unique demands of the World Cup circuit.”
He acknowledged the logistical challenges that come with competing in Sölden, emphasizing that it requires a commitment of several days that could be viewed as time taken away from training. Yet, he remains firm in his belief that gaining firsthand experience is invaluable.
Palander reminded us that the world’s slopes cannot be mastered from the sidelines or through gym workouts. “You only learn these classic slopes by racing them. Sölden, in particular, may appear simple at first glance, but it consistently catches skiers off guard. Its rhythm is deceptive, and no athlete feels completely prepared come the start of the season.”
Last year, the men’s giant slalom World Cup was dominated by Swiss skiers, with Marco Odermatt and Loic Mellard finishing first and second overall, respectively. Norway’s Henrik Kristoffersen rounded out the top three, while Italy’s Federica Brignone took home the women’s giant slalom cup.
Looking ahead, the second World Cup weekend will take place in Levi from November 14 to 16. This time, the focus will shift to slalom as both men and women take to the snow in Kittilä, hopefully showcasing the depth of Finnish talent on a grand stage.