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Mario Matt (AUT)
Julien Lizeroux (FRA), Mario Matt (AUT), Jean-Baptiste Grange (FRA)
Mario Matt (AUT)
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Racing: Matt triumphant in final Slalom
Reconciliation at the end of the season for the Austrian
Mario Matt (AUT) rounds off the World Cup season with victory in the Slalom in Åre. The Tyrolean's excellent performance culminated in a top result today; a sweet ending to an otherwise rather bitter season. This is the first win this season for Matt and only his second time on the podium following third place at the Slalom opening in Levi. What happened in between? "I was always fast throughout the whole season and knew that I could win at any time", he says - never doubting his capability for a moment. He managed to at last unleash his full potential on the slope where he became Slalom World Champion in 2007. "I was really looking forward to the race here. I like the terrain and of course the memory of my previous victory provided extra motivation", is how Matt explains why the win was made easier. It is just a shame that the season is over at a time when the Fischer athlete starts to win.
Kostelić lets crystal go
Meanwhile, Fischer just missed retaining the Slalom World Cup title this year. Ivica Kostelić had to leave the crystal trophy to Jean-Baptiste Grange following a messy second run ending up in twelfth place. Fischer Race Director, Voglreiter, had high hopes, "The conditions here really suit Ivica - it ought to have been perfect. Of course I was hoping he would really do it!" It was not to be, however, and despite this the season has ended more than satisfactorily for Fischer. 16 podium finishes and a women's World Champion! And now the crowning glory of two Slalom victories by Mario Matt and Sandrine Aubert (FRA) to round off the season.
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