With a truly breathtaking performance, World Cup youngster Lara Colturi not only successfully conquered the slopes at the night slalom in Flachau (AT), but also made it into the top ten of a World Cup race for the first time. Her slalom fireworks ignited in the second run in particular and propelled the Italian to a strong 9th place on the podium. A magical moment that has captured the hearts of skiing fans in particular and is making Lara Colturi, despite her tender 17 years, more and more of an absolute great in the World Cup.
We had the opportunity to take stock of the past few months together with Lara and talked to the ski ace about the not-so-easy summer, the first part of the current World Cup season and, of course, the sensation in Flachau.
On the way to new heights
Lara, first top 10 finish in the FIS World Cup. How does it feel? Lara Colturi: I'm super happy, I had wonderful feelings and in the race I was generally able to implement what I had worked on in training. In the first run (start number 60) the track was already worn out, but I just tried to do my best anyway. In the second run, I was able to exert a bit more pressure on a slippery snow surface, pushed hard and achieved a really good result. Everything went perfectly.
How do you feel in general, especially after your injury in the previous season, and how satisfied are you in general with the first few months after your return? Lara: I had around eight months of rehab and only really started the ski season in October. Of course, I didn't have any great expectations for the upcoming races. But now I'm really happy with my performance and the results, which are surprisingly good. So I'm doing really well, my form is getting better and better and my knee is fine.
Before the top result in Flachau, you already showed what you can do a few weeks ago in Kranjska Gora. What was so special about this race? Lara: The conditions were difficult, with high temperatures, rain and a deteriorating snow surface. These are all conditions that I don't particularly like, especially when I have to start with a high starting number. Nevertheless, I'm obviously happy that I was still able to deliver. In the combined, I just tried my best in the slalom (13th place with bib number 55) and concentrated on my run. My father also gave me one or two important pieces of advice, which gave me additional support, especially in the difficult conditions.
Do you still have specific goals that you want to achieve by the end of the season? Lara: I want to concentrate particularly on the small goals and simply get a bit faster step by step. After not being on skis much last summer, I want to be able to approach all the stresses and strains step by step so that I'm prepared for everything, both in training and in races.
There are still a few races to go. Is there a particular World Cup event that you are particularly looking forward to? Lara: There is, yes! I have very good memories of Krönplatz, where I achieved my personal best last year. Soldeu and Åre, on the other hand, are unfamiliar terrain for me, but I'm just as excited to see what awaits me in Andorra and Sweden.
