Q&A: Kalle Palander, Alta Badia GS winner

Kalle Palander celebrated three of his four World Cup victories in giant slalom in Alta Badia and the fourth was in Adelboden. This season's races in Alta Badia are already history, Adelboden is on the program for the first weekend in January. In this interview, the Finn talks about his successes in Alta Badia and Adelboden, why his body is looking forward to a rest, how he celebrates Christmas, why he doesn't dress up as Santa Claus and why his brother Keke had quite a laugh at his expense.

KALLE PALANDER celebrated three of his four World Cup victories in giant slalom in Alta Badia and the fourth was in Adelboden. This season's races in Alta Badia are already history, Adelboden is on the program for the first weekend in January. In this interview, the Finn talks about his successes in Alta Badia and Adelboden, why his body is looking forward to a rest, how he celebrates Christmas, why he doesn't dress up as Santa Claus and why his brother Keke had quite a laugh at his expense. — From Fischer Alpine Racing

Kalle, you won the Giant Slalom in Alta Badia and finished sixth in the Slalom. How satisfied are you with your results in Alta Badia?
All in all they were two great days. I've been on the road now for five weeks and I'm looking forward to the Christmas break. My body needs the rest now as well. I have some slight back trouble.

This is the third time you've won the Giant Slalom there. Is Alta Badia your favourite course?
It certainly seems as if I can only win in Alta Badia! I've already said that I will recommend to the FIS that from now on all Giant Slalom races should be held in Alta Badia. I like the course in Alta Badia. It's very difficult and challenging. This year it was particularly difficult.

You must have been expecting more from the Slalom?
Yes, of course. I wanted to do better than last year, when I came fifth. If you consider though how far behind I was after the first run, the result is perfectly OK. I didn't attack enough in the first run and didn't have the right skis either.

You're one of the most successful racers on the ski circuit. Before you started out, did you ever think you would celebrate such major successes?
When I was around 15 or 16 years old I often used to watch the skiing on television with my elder brother Keke. This was back in the days when Alberto Tomba won a lot of races. I said to my brother that I would also win a World Cup race one day. My brother just had a good laugh at me.

How will you be spending Christmas?
I'll be in Monaco with my wife Riina-Maija and my daughter Oda-Sofia. It will be a very special Christmas for me because it will be the first Christmas for my daughter. We'll have a Christmas tree, of course, and the food will be very good, that's for sure. In Finland Santa Claus normally comes on the 24th. I think, however, that he'll be a bit too busy this time round in Monaco. I once dressed up as Santa Claus for my family 15 years ago. But once was enough – I won't be doing it this year. We'll be in Monaco for around ten days. I then plan to train in Saalbach. My family will also be there with me.

Adelboden is the next stop. You celebrated your fourth World Cup victory in Adelboden. What are your expectations this season?
I've been on the podium quite a few times in Adelboden. Last year I finished fourth in both the Slalom and the Giant Slalom. I like the slope in Adelboden. It's one of the Giant Slaloms where you are always a bit edgy at the start because of the high speed. It will be a very important race for all of us because there is almost a seven-week break in Giant Slalom after it.