Kotnik claims debut win in Cortina while Fischnaller secures 20th victory

In the men’s edition, Fischnaller was able to give the home crowd something to cheer as the alpine snowboard legend took on his long-time foe, Prommegger (AUT), in the big final. Fischnaller just pipped the Austrian on the line by just 0.13s as the veteran campaigners used their hard-earned race craft to best the other with the crowd collectively holding their breath while the pair duked it out.

The icons have been going toe to toe since 1996 when both joined the tour and have no intention of slowing down any time soon. Prommegger tops the PGS rankings having claimed the win two days ago in the first PGS of the season in Carezza, while Fischnaller was third, claiming the Italians’ only podium across the men’s and women’s events on home snow. Aaron March was able to join his compatriot this time around, beating Zan Kosir (SLO) to the third step.

Fischnaller told FIS afterwards he had been inspired by alpine skiing compatriot, Sofia Goggia, who also claimed a 20th World Cup victory the same day, despite breaking her hand on Friday and having to fly to Milan to have it operated on. The two-time Olympic medallist returned to the slopes 24 hours later to take the win in the downhill in St Moritz.

“I saw the run this morning from Sofia, she’s a big idol for everyone of us never to give up and she puts a lot of energy in her run and she was so inspiring this morning. So I tried to do the same and yes it’s my fifth victory here and my 20th in the World Cup and so I’m of course super happy – it’s not easy.”

Fischnaller now goes home for more training but also “a little vacation with my kids and family” before heading to Bad Gastein in the new year.

The frustrations for last season’s overall World Cup winner, Lee Sangho (KOR) continue as the 27-year old Olympic silver medallist did not make it past qualifying. Tim Mastnak (SLO), the second-place finisher in the first individual race of the season – the PSL in Winterberg, Germany – also failed to progress. The winner of that race, Alexander Payer (AUT), and third-placed Stefan Baumeister (GER) plus Dario Caviezel (SUI), who was second in the PGS two days ago, went out in the round of 16.

So there’s plenty to ponder for all riders as they head for their festive break before returning on 10-11 January for parallel slalom on day one and parallel slalom team on day two in Austria. The 2022/23 season is bubbling nicely for riders and fans alike

Standings after 3 of 13 races on the overall tour (men)
1 Andreas Prommegger (AUT) 198 points
2 Roland Fischnaller (ITA) 180 points
3 Alexander Payer (AUT) 152 points

Standings after 2 of 7 races on the PGS tour (men)
1 Andreas Prommegger (AUT) 180 points
2 Roland Fischnaller (ITA) 160 points
3 Dario Caviezel (SUI) 102 points