The fastest time of the training race is 2:01:49 by Matteo Marsaglia, followed by another Italian, Peter Fill (2:01.56) and by Patrick Kueng from Switzerland (2:01.63). The time by Stephan Keppler – first place in the results of the training race - is not valid because he missed a gate.
Matteo Marsaglia: “I skied well but I think it’s impossible to avoid mistakes while skiing on the Stelvio. There are a couple of spots where I need to refine the lines, especially on the Carcentina. The Stelvio slope is always difficult to face, I like it but I have never reached the finish area during the race so my first goal is to create a good impression. The low numbers will start with an advantage and I hope the bibs’ draw is favorable.”
Didier Cuche: “The Stelvio is always tiring and it’s difficult to come back on a track like this after the Christmas break. I have always had good results in Bormio but I have never won. This is my goal! I debuted here in 1993 and I admit that the slope, year after year, has become more technical, but slower too.”
Erik Guay: “I am not satisfied with my first training race, I thought I was three seconds late. It will be necessary to turn a bit more in San Pietro in order to lose speed and avoid a too long jump. The course is good and the snow is excellent. Considering the difficulties of this year, the organizers have been doing a great job. ” Erik Guay is the spokesman of the athletes.
Funny exchange of views between Svindal and Bertrand. Svindal said: “It’s not as hard as two years ago. I remember you were like crying!”