Q&A with GS overall leader Denise Karbon

By Published On: January 28th, 2008Comments Off on Q&A with GS overall leader Denise Karbon

Denise Karbon has taken another huge step towards her goal for this season, the giant slalom World Cup title. After winning in Ofterschwang, the Italian now has a 181 point lead over Elisabeth Görgl. The Austrian is the only skier who can theoretically still catch up in the remaining two races in Zwiesel and Bormio. There was something very special about the 27-year-old's victory in Ofterschwang: Karbon had to go into the race with a broken thumb. In ninth place after the first run, the skier from Kastelruth went on to clinch her fifth win of the season by skiing the fastest time in the second run.


DENISE KARBON has taken another huge step towards her goal for this season, the giant slalom World Cup title. After winning in Ofterschwang, the Italian now has a 181 point lead over Elisabeth Görgl. The Austrian is the only skier who can theoretically still catch up in the remaining two races in Zwiesel and Bormio. There was something very special about the 27-year-old's victory in Ofterschwang: Karbon had to go into the race with a broken thumb. In ninth place after the first run, the skier from Kastelruth went on to clinch her fifth win of the season by skiing the fastest time in the second run. — Courtesy of Fischer

Denise, fifth win of the season in Ofterschwang despite a broken thumb. Are you surprised yourself?

Yes, I'm really surprised. I didn't know how things were going to go with my broken thumb. The first run wasn't that good. I wasn't really confident and was worried about catching my thumb on a gate or touching the snow with it. Then in the second run I simply tried to put it out of my mind and I managed to do that very well.

The giant slalom World Cup title is now basically yours for the taking. Will you ease off at all in the two remaining races?

No, not by any means. We now have a month's break in giant slalom. I feel as if I'm in good form and I want to show what I'm capable of in the last two races as well.

Are you not planning to compete in any races in this month?

I might take part in the slalom in Zagreb. I'll have to wait and see how things go though in the slalom. I'll try out the slalom in 10 days' time. If things go well, I'll take part, if not, I'll give it a miss. It's pointless if it's neither here nor there. I'll definitely do some Giant Slalom training though again over the next few days.

How big a problem was your broken thumb in the race?

It was bandaged up really thick and it took me a while to find the right glove for it. Then we taped it all up and that blocked my wrist of course. It hurt as well, which is why it wasn't that easy to take my mind off it during the race.

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About the Author: Pete Rugh