Ivica Kostelic takes momentum to home course

By Published On: February 12th, 2008Comments Off on Ivica Kostelic takes momentum to home course

Ivica Kostelić placed third in Saturday's slalom in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, plus he's had three more podium finishes in the super combined. The Croatian, who switched to Fischer before the season got under way, has hit top form just in time for his home slalom in Zagreb. In this interview the 28-year-old talks about his good form, the race in Zagreb, the new hole ski and the effect his success has on the enthusiasm for skiing in Croatia.

 
IVICA KOSTELIC placed third in Saturday's slalom in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, plus he's had three more podium finishes in the super combined. The Croatian, who switched to Fischer before the season got under way, has hit top form just in time for his home slalom in Zagreb. In this interview the 28-year-old talks about his good form, the race in Zagreb, the new hole ski and the effect his success has on the enthusiasm for skiing in Croatia. — Fischer News

Ivica, four podiums in four consecutive weekends. You are in great shape and it's perfect timing before your home slalom in Zagreb. What can we expect from you in Zagreb?
I will try to ski the best I can. It is a special race for me and I will be very motivated to do my best.

How would you describe the slope in Sljeme?
The Sljeme course does not look especially hard but it is demanding. There is just one short steep part at the beginning and the rest is flat or medium steep. It is normally quite a fast and long course so it's physically demanding. It's important to stay focused on the last section as you are already pretty tired.

Would you say that Sljeme is your kind of slope?
Yes, I like the slope.

Do you train very often there?
I basically grew up on this course. I train there whenever there is a possibility.

When did you have your last race there?
It was the Croatian national championship in 2005.

What will the atmosphere be like in Zagreb?
The race in Zagreb is a major event and it is not just about skiing. There are concerts and performances in the city and on the race hill. The crowd is huge and the people are great. The atmosphere is simply amazing.

What status does skiing have nowadays in Croatia? Can you see and read more about skiing in the media because of the great successes in recent weeks?
Skiing was very popular at the time of Janica's successes, maybe even more popular than soccer. After Janica retired the interest was smaller. But what with some successful races in January this year and in particular two podium places for Croatian skiers in Val d'Isère, everybody is crazy about skiing again. I have spent a few days at home after Val d'Isère and the media interest was great.

You have become an all-rounder this season. What goals do you have for next season?
Just to keep skiing as fast as I can.

How do you explain your fantastic form this season?
We have worked hard in the last few seasons. Since last season the knee which has been operated on six times has been getting better and better. But I had a lot of problems with my equipment last season. This year my knee is doing fine and the Fischer equipment is just great.

What do you say about Fischer's new hole ski?
Many people have been asking me about these skis. I got these skis just one day before the Kitzbühel slalom and I decided to race on them without testing because other races told me that the new skis were fast. And at the premiere in Kitz "the lochski" had five racers in the top 10! I think that this ski is very innovative. I am glad that Fischer is not afraid to experiment and is determined to keep on building the best slalom skis in the world. 

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About the Author: Pete Rugh