“I don’t understand the way downhill has developed”

Interview with Daron Rahlves, part two. Why he thinks downhill has lost its charm, which World Cup races he doesn’t want to miss in the coming season – and his favorites for victory in the 2006/07 World Cup.

How does it feel to know that the next Alpine World Cup season will take place without you?

I don’t waste time thinking about it. That’s life - things take their course, and everything goes on.

Aren’t you going to miss the World Cup at all? For many years it was your whole life.

The World Cup has lost some of its excitement recently. I simply don’t understand the way downhill has developed. Downhill races must be difficult, a true challenge. I don’t agree with making difficult courses less dangerous, flattening knolls to make the jumps shorter.
Well, that’s mostly to do with safety ...

Of course the skiers’ safety is important, but if downhill races keep on getting easier, the fans will lose interest. People want to see spectacular races. I think that Alpine skiing is developing in the wrong direction. The equipment available today has made it even easier to master difficult runs. I used to love difficult downhill races - for instance the old “Streif” in Kitzbühel. For me, a race could never be too difficult.

Will you go along to the occasional World Cup race?

Sure. I’ve resolved to be in Wengen and Kitzbühel, as well as Beaver Creek - and I might add another race or two to this list. I’m already looking forward to seeing old friends and having a chat.

Is it really possible to develop friendships in modern competitive skiing?

Absolutely. Didier Cuche and I are very good friends, we’re in constant contact with each other. But I also get on well with Michael Walchhofer or Mario Scheiber.

What have your years in the Ski World Cup taught you for life after competitive skiing?

That one always has to do one’s best to be able to deliver brilliant performances. I’ve learnt to be confident at all times, to believe in myself. But it’s equally important to acknowledge one’s opponents’ performance and to respect them.

Who is your personal favorite for the next World Cup season?

I think that Bode Miller in particular will be back at the top in the coming season. I have the impression that his motivation is very high - and as far as I can tell, he has also adjusted his attitude to competitive skiing: he will be concentrating even more on the job at hand. But Benni Raich will be a powerful, strong opponent for him. I think that Benni Raich will be the main obstacle on the road to victory in the World Cup again this year. Then there’s a certain Ted Ligety, whom I also rate very highly. He’ll definitely be among the leaders of the pack. But we should not forget Didier Cuche or Mario Scheiber either. Scheiber in particular fulfills all the prerequisites for a place towards the top of the overall World Cup standings in the next few years. Unfortunately he was injured last season and unable to demonstrate his ability - we can expect great things from him this year.