Second World Cup title for Marlies Schild

Patrick Lang 14.03.2008 20:56 Uhr

Austria’s Marlies Schild was the only woman able to retain her World Cup title this winter in winning the last slalom race at Bormio today. The dominating gate specialist celebrated her fifth slalom victory during these Finals – her 18th on the World Cup tour since 2003.

The 26-year-old skier from Saalfelden was delighted by her latest triumph yet she is considering changing her program in coming seasons to focus on the technical events.

“I had a great race today, I was lucky to win with such a tiny margin,” she said after her race. “I was really happy at the finish line to see that I won again because I was not feeling so comfortable in that second run, I didn’t ski as fast as I was hoping,” Schild added.

“It was my goal at the season start to retain the slalom globe so I’m totally happy today. Yet I didn’t reach me best level in the other events so I might change my program next winter. I was one of the few racers to have started in all competitions this winter, and this was physically and technically pretty demanding. When you take part in nine of ten downhill races, you can’t train as much and as well in the technical events. I didn’t achieve my potential in giant slalom and Super-combined this winter so I could not be a top-contender in the Overall standings this year.”

“I had to fight much harder than last year so I have to check what I’ll do because it’s also a season with medal events at Val d’Isère ant this is also important to me.”

“I surely wish to get back in the hunt for the Overall title, I almost got it last season, but it will become more and more difficult I guess. Lindsey Vonn did a great job this winter, she was very strong and consistent in downhill and Super-combined. It’s not a surprise, we all knew about her potential.”

"I enjoyed competing along my younger sister Bernadette today. She clinched the junior title in slalom two weeks ago and I believe she has a great talent. I had no time to train with her lately but I know she tried hard today. She will soon move up in the team.”

Marlies Schild, who was sorry not to have been able to celebrate a World Cup win on the same day as her boyfriend Benjamin Raich, also said that they have common passions for many activities including rock climbing. “We have the same hobbies so it’s fun to do a lot of things together in the off-season such as climbing,” she explained. “We enjoy a lot of outdoor activities and just being in the nature.”