L a t e s t  n e w s ..... Louise Bain and Callum Henderson win both rounds of Twin Peaks races at Fir Park & Hillend ...

'The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams' (Eleanor Roosevelt).

Benni Raich took time out from the hectic schedule of waiting for the Lauberhorn to happen to talk to Racer Ready.  As frustrating as it is for the racers when the races are postponed, cancelled or delayed, Raich was polite and even managed to crack a few jokes as he was bombarded by the English speaking contingent of the World's media! As the sun shone and the Austrian media dissected the life of Michael Walchhofer outside, Raich was happy to sit and talk inside.

It was inevitable that with the warm weather talk would evolve around to Global warming. Raich is very matter of fact when he responds with almost disdain and boredom regarding this highly charged questions.  Some athletes, like Ted Ligety, have risen to the questions and got involved with whether this is all part of the Global warming debate. Raich meanwhile is prepared to brush the question off with a shrug of the shoulders and a "what can I do about it" attitude.  Before environmentalists jump on his case, Raich reminds us that last year was one of the best years he can remember and that we should take what comes! While the Glacier's are getting smaller, Raich knows this affects his training during the summer but he is not worried about this just yet - he has more pressing things to worry about at the moment!

"Ja, this is the third day off and I think that is enough," he sighs.  Raich was of the belief that with the warm temperature outside, only the Lauberhorn Slalom could be run (as it was this was the only race that would not be run!).  With plans to race all three events that were scheduled, time would now be spent toning the body and doing fitness.  With fitness a vital component with regards to Wengen due to the length of the course, Raich, as well as many racers, respect this "special" course. "It has many characteristics that are unique to this course," Raich acknowledges. Along with Kitzbuehel, the Lauberhorn has the longest history and if you ask any racer, these are two of the races that they want to win above all others. "It is not easy with two training runs, three slalom runs and the race, it is very hard."

With talk of doing all three races talk turns to the Overall.  Raich trails the Norwegian all rounder yet having scored 180 points in Adelboden the week before, this was a good weekend and brought him back into the equation.  Despite the good results the previous weekend, Raich is not concerned with the Overall at the moment. "The Super Combi is a good chance for me to be on top," explains the defending Overall Champion and winner of two Gold Medals at the Turin Olympics. "Before New Year, things were not good for me but I am in good shape now," he explains before adding that "the winter is long and I will fight to the last race." Regarding the Overall Raich believes that it is too early to say who is the favourite in the Raich versus Svindal battle yet there is also the likes of "Miller, Cuche and Fill is also strong" he explains. Talk returns to Adelboden and Raich likes the hill: "Sure it is a difficult hill but that suits me." It is not just the hill that suits Raich as he is a big time skier: he loves the atmosphere.

This season has seen a number of high profile racers announce their retirement mid season.  None will be missed more that Kjetil Andre Aamodt, the multi World Championship and Olympic medal winning Norwegian. Raich describes him as "a very special racer" who he remembers seeing him win his first medal on the television in 1991 in Saalbach Hinterglemm. Raich sees similarities in Aamodt and himself as they are both quiet guys! Does Raich see himself racing until he is 35? He laughs as he answers "We will see. If I am competitive and having fun yes why not!"

Raich acknowledges the need for the sport to look good for the TV.  Race day saw vast swathes of green banks crowded with people watching the race.  While this warm weather was great for the crowd, for the tourism point of view this was not great as the resorts want to be seen around the world as having loads of snow.

It is well known that Raich and Marlies Schild (left), who have been together for "about two years" (admits Raich) are the hottest couple on the ski racing circuit.  Having spent time together over the New Year period, "maybe we had a few glasses of champagne" he admits but once they are away form each other they talk on the phone daily.  "Marlies has her own coach and I have mine, we ski occasionally in the spring and fall on the glaciers but this is just for fun." Does Benni pass tips on to Marlies and does she try and help him? Raich laughs and says "No! We watch each other and sometimes pass ideas on.  The top racers have interesting styles but they are girls and we are guys, we have different techniques and styles." While Marlies is running away with the Slalom World Cup with victories in five of the six races, Raich points out that the top girls are not as close as the top guys.

A few days later Raich was entering the hotel where he was staying with the rest of the Austrian Team.  having looked decidedly frustrated with all the questions on his private life and relationship with Marlies Schild, I asked him whether this annoyed him? "It is part of my life but I stop answering those questions when it gets too much." So how does he relax when away from the skiing: Raich has started playing Ice Hockey and plays occasionally with his friends at home, not with other ski racers.

Eleventh place in the Lauberhorn saw Raich lose a little ground to Svindal who was eighth with Miller winning the race.  Raich will remain in the mix till the bitter end. With the World Championships looming in February, all roads are geared to Are.

Wengen 2007