Schoeffmann breaks through on home snow at Simonhohe

Jan 27, 2024·Alpine Snowboard

Sabine Schoeffmann (AUT) was knocking on the door all season long. It was only fitting that she finally reached the summit in her home country as she won the parallel giant slalom in Simonhohe.

Schoeffmann used the home crowd to push her across the finish line as she was the last one standing on a day where plenty fell. The Austrian claimed her first victory of the season after five podiums in eight previous races.

“It is an amazing victory, I’m so happy. The whole season is amazing with a lot of podiums. It gave me self-confidence. Now I can stand on the podium on top and at home. My home region makes this event possible. I am just happy,” Schoeffmann said. “It is amazing thank you to Simonhohe to make this race possible. Everybody was helping, everybody was cheering. It was just amazing.”

Sabine Schoeffmann (AUT) glides through the course in qualifying. © Miha Matavz/FIS

It is the sixth career World Cup victory for Schoeffmann and 25th podium. Schoeffmann was racing in front of family and friends which is not always easy.

“It is really amazing, but I was really nervous today. I didn’t know how nervous I would be, but nerves are sometimes good. It feels sh**ty let’s say but I am happy I could show my best. I had good riding with good runs. I am overwhelmed, it is amazing,” Schoeffmann said.

Schoeffmann beat Zuzana Maderova (CZE) in the big final after the Czech rider took a fall halfway down the hill. Maderova got back up to ride down the hill for second place. It is her first career World Cup podium for the 20-year-old.

Elisa Caffont (ITA) stayed upright in the small final as Michelle Dekker (NED) tumbled close to her. The third place for Caffont also gives her the first World Cup podium of her career.

The youngsters took advantage of mistakes from the favorites on the day. Overall leader Ramona Theresia Hofmeister (GER) made a brutal mistake in qualifying and was disqualified before the knockout rounds. Her absence opened the door for the field.

Lucia Dalmasso (ITA) was eliminated early, going out in the first knockout round. Miki Tsubaki (JPN) had a great chance to continue her hot streak but, clipped a gate and lost to Maderova in the quarterfinals.

Daniele Bagozza (ITA) celebrates his win in the big final over Benjamin Karl (AUT). © Miha Matavz/FIS

Women’s PGS Standings after Race 5 of 7

Miki Tsubaki (JPN) – 310 points
Ramona Theresia Hofmeister (GER) – 279 points
Lucia Dalmasso (ITA) – 272 points
Sabine Schoeffmann (AUT) – 270 points
Zuzana Maderova (CZE) – 194 points

Women’s Overall Standings

Ramona Theresia Hofmeister (GER) – 604 points
Sabine Schoeffmann (AUT) – 522 points
Tsubaki Miki (JPN) – 481 points
Lucia Dalmasso (ITA) – 462 points
Julie Zogg (SUI) – 351 points

Bagozza ends Karl’s win streak

As per usual on the men’s side, Team Austria dueled with Team Italy. This time the Italians spoiled the homecoming for the Austrians.

Daniele Bagozza (ITA) capped off an incredible day by beating overall leader Benjamin Karl (AUT) in the big final. It was an impressive win as Karl had won three PGS races in a row. Bagozza was up for the challenge.

“It is an amazing feeling. It was a beautiful day, a beautiful organization. Racing against Benjamin Karl (AUT) is really challenging. I think he won four times in a row against me, that is the first time I won against the slalom god of the season, so I am really, really happy,” Bagozza said.

Team Italy sings their national anthem. © Miha Matavz/FIS

It is the third win of the season for Bagozza and fifth win of his career. The previous four all came in parallel slalom. The win in Simonhohe is his first win in PGS.

“First gate I had some troubles. After that, I said I will go all in and that is what I did. And it worked out,” Bagozza said. “I had my first GS podium five years ago and that was the last one so winning is an incredible feeling.”

Bagozza had one career PGS podium to his name before Saturday. He finished second in the PGS in Rogla in 2019.

Karl settled for second and increased his overall lead. It is fifth podium of the year for Karl and 49th of his career.

With the podium finish, Karl clinched the PGS crystal globe for the season with two PGS races to go. (The PGS races scheduled for February in Canada have been canceled). Karl has podiumed in every PGS race so far this season.

The small final was another Austria vs Italy battle. Fabian Obmann (AUT) took this one with a win against Roland Fischnaller (ITA) for the final podium spot. It is the third time this season Obmann rounded out the podium.

Men from Austria and Italy have dominated this season. They have accounted for 21 of 24 possible podium spots this season.

Both teams will be the heavy favorites in the mixed team PGS event on Sunday in Simonhohe. Hofmeister (GER) will look to bounce back and lead Germany to a surprise victory.

Men’s PGS Standings after Race 5 of 7: