Tough Number: DSV-Ace is happy about World Cup parallel events

The German SkiTeam is looking forward to the parallel races at the World Cup in Cortina d’Ampezzo on Tuesday.

"This is a difficult number, this selection," said the Alpine leader of the German Ski Association (DSV), Wolfgang Maier, with regard to the qualification (9:00 a.m.).

There are 48 names on the start list for the men, for the women even 52. But only the top 16 drivers can take part in the final from 2 p.m. (ARD and Eurosport). "We have never done it that way," said Maier about the competition, which is particularly popular with spectators and celebrates its World Cup premiere in Italy. "So I'm curious to see what will become of it." It is important to "only step on the gas", said Alexander Schmid, who is one of the biggest favorites in November after his third place at the Parallel World Championship in Lech / Zürs.

In addition to Schmid, the DSV also sends Linus Straßer, Stefan Luitz and Sebastian Holzmann to start for the men. For Luitz it is the comeback after a World Cup break due to a thigh injury. Lena Dürr, Andrea Filser and the surprisingly 17-year-old Emma Aicher were nominated for the women.

© dpa-infocom, dpa: 210215-99-455948/3

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