Hofmeister claims PGS crystal globe

“It was unbelievable to ride here. It was bumpy, it was difficult. I made it through the bumpy part and then I knew if I put pressure on the other competitor then I have a chance and can’t let go of my board,”

“I knew every time that it is quite near a zero-zero finish so I was really carving hard at the end to have as much speed to get to the finish. I am so happy to get on my PGS podium and all the way up on top. I do not have the words, but it goes deep in my heart,” Auner said.

Auner gives Team Austria five wins in seven PGS races this season. The strong competition between the teammates in training pushes them all to better performances.

“I am so glad to be on the Austrian team. We are one of the best teams. If you are fast on this team, then you can win,” Auner said.

Auner took advantage of Maurizio Bormolini’s (ITA) mistake in the big final as the Italian lost an edge on a turn and suffered a DNF. Bormolini settled for second. It is his third podium of the season and ninth of his World Cup career.

Alexander Payer (AUT) lost the semifinal to Auner by 0.01 seconds. He bounced back to win the small final and round out the podium.

Auner took advantage of a thinner field as some of the top racers missed out on the knockout rounds. Karl’s qualifying time was not enough as he missed the knockout rounds by two spots.

His teammate Andreas Prommegger (AUT) missed the knockouts by one spot after winning Saturday’s race. Daniele Bagozza (ITA) also missed out on the knockout stage after being disqualified in qualifying.

PGS winner Karl holds a commanding lead for the overall title with two parallel slalom races left in the season. The top seven is entirely composed of boarders from Italy or Austria. Karl will try to hold off the challengers for the overall title.

“I am happy to have the small globe clinched but now full focus on the two races left for the big globe,” Karl said.