In the second and final practice for the two Ski World Cups on Friday and Saturday (11.30am/ORF 1), Frenchman Nils Allegre set a best time of 1:56.11 minutes, with Vincent Kreichmeier fifth in the intermediate standings (+ 0, 37 seconds) at the top of the field. Christopher Newmeyer and Daniel Dangelmeyer were also in the lead.
However, like the other drivers, Kreichmeier braked just before the finish line, which meant many laps did not match their actual performance level. “It wasn't a flawless ride, but you shouldn't overdo it. The top favorites were definitely blunted smartly,” said the Upper Austrian at ORF. But he was already trying to get to the limit. “At least the base speed is back.”
Marco Odermatt with problems
Wengen double winner Marco Odermatt (+1.19) has yet to show his cards in the Streif. Switzerland's overall World Cup leader lost a lot of time on the flat section. “The day off is definitely good, we'll attack again,” said Odermatt, looking forward to Thursday's day off. In both training sessions he did not perform well on the steep slope exit.
After bright sunshine in the first practice session, Streif was overcast on Wednesday. Stefan Babinski fell into the net just before the trip, but immediately showed that he was not hurt. Odmar Stridinger (+2.06), jumped 43 meters in the first training session and missed a goal on the steep slope entrance. Despite being weakened by a cold, Carinthian defeated Streep. Daniel Hemetzberger (+1.32), who has not been fully fit lately, is still behind.
