Petra Vlhová and her wide smile. What does it say today after 3rd place in Sölden? – SME.sk

BRATISLAVA. SÖLDEN. After arriving at the finish of the second round, she had a neutral expression on her face. Although she knew she was constantly in the first place.

A moment later, Petra Vlhová raised her hand, waved to the fans and smiled. She knew that she would finish at worst sixth in the opening races of the season.

As her other opponents ended up behind her, her smile widened. She also showed clenched teeth to the camera once, as if to indicate that it would be tight to stay on stage.

In the end, she succeeded. She finished third in the giant slalom in Sölden. Mikaela Shiffrin won in front of Lara Gut-Behrami.

“It was a big fight in the second round, I didn’t feel good. The light and pad changed. I made mistakes on the stirrup. I’m on stage, so I’m looking forward to it, “Vlhová admitted for RTVS.

Coach Pini was also satisfied

The defender of the big globe started a new stage of her skiing career in Sölden. Under the leadership of Swiss coach Mauro Pini.

“We knew it would be difficult at the beginning of the season. She handed over the maximum, but there is still little room for improvement. However, we are happy and satisfied, “Pini responded.

The Slovak skier repeated several times during the training that she feels calmer and happier. She also showed it in Sölden.

She looked more relaxed during both rides. She was in a good mood even after the race. Her facial expressions showed that she was fine. She often smiled.

When Shiffrin won, she patted her appreciatively on the back.

Shiffrin was missing Slovak fans

They evaluated each other when evaluating the results. The American gestured at Slovak fans.

“Mikaela told me that she also missed Slovak fans. I am glad that there are finally people at the race, they created a great atmosphere, “said Vlhová.

There were about five thousand spectators in Sölden, among whom the Slovak flags stood out. They also pleased the winner Shiffrin.

“Slovak fans are known for traveling around Europe all over Europe. They were heard again and helped us to be faster, “Shiffrin told RTVS.

She had difficulty with balance and light

Vlhová did not avoid minor hesitations in both rounds. She even lost her stability on the skis in the opening race, but in the end she stopped.

“It simply came to my notice then. I have to be careful about that and improve the steep part. There were sections that I could have done better, “admitted Vlhová.

In one of the most demanding women’s giant slaloms in the World Cup, skiers also have problems transitioning from the sun to the shadows.

“I didn’t see anything for a second or two. Until my eyes adjusted, I went blind. I lost my balance there as well, “she added.

She knew she could beat three opponents

Before the second round, Vlhová set a clear goal. Move from the sixth place as high as possible. Finally, she finished third.

“I knew I could beat three girls. There wasn’t such a big loss. When I came to the finish line first, I didn’t want to believe it at first, “sketched 26-year-old Liptáček.

She narrowly defeated Katharina Liensbergerová by 9 hundredths of a second, Norka Tvibergová by 15 hundredths and Slovenia Hrovatová by 29 hundredths. She was more than a second behind the top two.

“Mikaela and Lara are both a little ahead of Petra,” Mauro Pini sketched.

“It was a little nervous, but Peta proved she had it. There are still reserves that we must remove, “added his assistant Matej Gemza for the Slovak Skiing Association.

Vlha: Petra gave us adrenaline

Vlh’s father Igor was also satisfied with the start of the season.

“Petra gave us a little adrenaline, but we are satisfied. It will help her mentally. The preparation turned out to be good. The result speaks for itself, “admitted Igor Vlha.

“We don’t know what we’re up to in the first race of the season. We compare ourselves in training, but racing is something else. It’s a nerve struggle. I’m looking forward to the result, but we continue, “Vlhová emphasized.

The next one will be presented in three weeks in a parallel giant slalom in Lech, followed by two slaloms in Levi.

“I’m going home for a few days and at the beginning of November we move to Levi, where we will train. We will only fly to the race in Lech and come back, “revealed Vlhová.

She also said goodbye to the TV audience in a good mood. “Thank you, hello.”