Before the ski classic: Dreßen optimistic, Sander ailing

Alpine skiing - Before the ski classic: Dreßen optimistic, Sander ailing

Germany's downhill racers are going into the first classic of the new alpine season with completely different feelings. Former World Championship runner-up Andreas Sander admitted before the downhill in Val Gardena/Gröden on Saturday (11.45 am/ZDF and Eurosport) that a heavy training crash had left its mark. "I'm pain-free," said the 34-year-old. But he is restricted in his movements. "I'll have a check-up to see what the body has really suffered."

Sander was thrown off the course in the lower part of the famous Saslong, he hit his head and back and landed in a safety net. He clearly missed out on a top 30 place in both the World Cup sprint downhill (46th) and the super-G (51st). The 2021 World Championship silver medallist had actually traveled to South Tyrol in good form and as a contender for top places. "Maybe things will go better tomorrow...", he said ahead of the long downhill on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Thomas Dreßen is optimistic and confident going into the third race at the foot of the mighty Sassolungo. After a long period of injuries, the 2018 Kitzbühel champion failed the shortened downhill on Thursday in 41st place, just like Sander, but improved significantly in the super-G the following day. Although he only finished 18th, he was satisfied with his performance. "I don't really care about the rank," said the Upper Bavarian.

Dreßen had to battle with health problems

"It was positive for me that I was able to ski down at the finish and that the time gap was limited." He was only 0.48 seconds behind the winner Vincent Kriechmayr from Austria. "With the self-confidence from today, I'm sure I'll have an easier time tomorrow," predicted Dreßen.

The 30-year-old has struggled with health setbacks in recent years and hopes to slowly get back to his old form. He is ambitious. "At the moment, I see myself as a top ten skier with the option - if I have a good day and everything works out - of moving forward," he said.

In addition to Sander and Dreßen, Romed Baumann, Josef Ferstl and Simon Jocher will also be competing for the German Ski Association (DSV).

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Despite his training accident, German alpine skier Andreas Sander is heading to the Downhill in Val Gardena/Gröden, Italy for the World Cup, hoping for improvement on his 46th place in the sprint downhill and 51st place in the super-G.
Having battled injuries in the past, Thomas Dreßen, another German alpine skier, is filled with optimism and confidence, looking forward to his third race at the foot of the Sassolungo following a 18th place finish in the super-G and a 41st place finish in the shortened downhill.
Andreas Sander, who suffered a training accident that left him with injuries, will represent Germany along with Romed Baumann, Josef Ferstl, and Simon Jocher in the World Cup alpine skiing event in Italy, with hopes of performing well in the Downhill and super-G.
Thomas Dreßen, who is aiming to regain his top-ten form after a series of health setbacks, expressed his excitement for the upcoming Downhill event, believing his recent performance in the super-G will give him a boost in confidence.
The German Ski Association (DSV) will have its top skiers competing in the World Cup alpine skiing event in Val Gardena/Gröden, Italy, including former World Championship runner-up Andreas Sander, 2018 Kitzbühel champion Thomas Dreßen, and other notable athletes.
Viewers in Germany can catch the Alpine Skiing World Cup action at the famous Saslong course in Val Gardena/Gröden live on ZDF and Eurosport. Thomas Dreßen, who is looking forward to the event, and Andreas Sander, who is recovering from injuries, will both be participating in the Downhill and super-G competitions.

Source: www.stern.de