Ivica Kostelic: I Will Continue Success on Sljeme

ZAGREB, CROATIA - The women’s part of slalom on Zagreb’s Sljeme is behind us, and the main attraction is ahead of us.

The men’s slalom will take place where the best of the best will perform, as well as Ivica Kostelic who took second place last year and is the greatest hope for Croatian skiing.

Kostelic’s starting number delighted all

The best Croatian skier pulled out starting number five, which is good news for him, because it has been shown that those with lower starting numbers have better results.

“Number five is good, we will see how it finishes. I will ski as well as I can and I hope that I will continue the great series of races in slalom and giant slalom” said Ivica, and mentioned the criticism that was given to the slopes.

Kostelic said that he trained a little bit today on the slopes, and that he has no complaints, which is encouraging, because Ivica has never hesitated to say if something was not alright. He also spoke about his shoulder.

“My shoulder is good, the fall was worse than the injury was in the end. It is a bit tight, but I will not have any problems during the race” said Kostelic, rejecting claims of a serious injury, and added that he wants to achieve the best possible result in front of his public. That is, even though it is not mentioned aloud, a win.

When winning is in question, we must not forget the competition, and it is dangerous. Last year’s winner Mario Matt will start fourth, and has been in good form and racing all season, even though it is not as good as last year. Ivica might have to fear Jean Baptiste Grange the most, the Frenchman that will start sixth and chase Ivica’s time.

Competition is fierce, but Ivica can win

“Ten skiers can win tomorrow, and amongst them is Ivica. Tomorrow there will be a large battle because of the fierce competition that is in slalom” said Grange, and added that he can always win, but that everything will be seen tomorrow.

The Frenchman said the truth, because, for example, the first in the world cup is Svindal, who has not yet come to his aim and won points, and behind him is Benni Raich, currently second over all, and fifth in slalom. Bode Miller should also not be forgotten, who despite his currently poorer form, can still surprise.

One thing is certain, Sljeme will erupt, and there will be even more viewers than the female slalom, and all hope that Ivica will at least be amongst the best three, even though a win would satisfy everybody’s appetite, more than the phenomenal food that is offered there.

Start Number Delights Ivica Kostelic's Fans