His image once dominated Bormio's World Cup marketing -"Pure Adrenaline", the campaign proclaimed. That same intensity returns to the Stelvio slope this December 28-29 for the Downhill and Super-G races.
Daron Rahlves knows that intensity well. The American ace claimed two Bormio Downhill victories(2002,2005), earning legendary status in Valtellina. Though retired since 2010, his enthusiasm for the course, crafted byOreste PeccedI and Aldo Anzi, remains electric.
"The Stelvio stands alone as the World Cup's most physically demanding test,"Rahlves says."The surface is always incredibly icy, rough, and bumpy. Once you leave the start gate, there's no respite."
"That second turn launches you into immediate action - similar to Kitzbühel, throwing you straight into battle,"he continues."While many downhill courses have softened over time, Bormio maintains its raw challenge. The Stelvio slope is beautifully savage."
Bormio holds special memories for Rahlves, particularlyhis victories:"One year I arrived with new skis from my sponsor for the first training run - topped the timesheet. Back then, racers would often ease off in second training to secure better start numbers. But the skis felt so good, I couldn't hold back. Even trying to stand up at the finish, I still went fastest. The Austrian coaches warned me I'd blown my start number chances. I told them speed would be enough. Guess who was right?"
The Californian also claimed silver in the 2005 World Championships Downhill here, adding Giant Slalom bronze."That downhill silver still stings - I wanted that win more than anything. But Bormio always represented the ultimate challenge. Now it's hosting the Milano-Cortina 2026 Olympics. Olympic medals rarely get decided on truly legendary courses - this ensures only complete champions will win gold."
Beyond racing, Bormio left lasting impressions:"The town has unique character. Racing here during holidays, I even attended Christmas Midnight Mass in the local church."
SPEED WEEKEND SCHEDULE
World Cup action begins withtraining runsDecember 26-27, building toward theDownhill(December 28) andSuper-G(December 29). Beyond racing, Bormio offers afestival atmospherefeaturing the traditionalVitalini Speed Contestplusmusicandactivitiesat theWorld Cup VillageinPiazza Walter Fontana.
For further information:https://skiworldcup.bormio.eu/en/
Image Pentaphoto
|