What is it?
The circuit of ski races of different disciplines (slalom, giant slalom, downhill etc.) that form the highest level of international competition in Alpine Skiing. Points are awarded depending on where the racer finishes and winners are decided for each discipline at the end of the season.
When is it?
The first race has already happened, a GS (Giant Slalom) in Soelden, check out the FIS website for the full calendar of races. The highlights of the season (in my opinion!) are the Hahnenkamm and the night slalom in Schladming. Tune into BBC 2’s Ski Sunday to catch all of the action.
Which Italians should we be looking out for?
There are plenty of Italians who could podium, but here I have chosen just three to watch out for!
Luca de Aliprandini
Luca is from Tuenno in Trentino and got his first pair of skis when he was only two. At the Italian National Championships last year he placed 2nd in GS and 3rd in the Super G. At the first race of the 2016/17 season, he placed 10th. He seems to be picking up momentum; definitely one to watch at the GS races this year.
Dominik Paris
Dominik is from Ulten in South-Tyrol and is known on the slopes for his love of death metal. The skier has been around for a while but seems to be reaching the top of his game: last year he had strong overall placings for the season with 3rd in Downhill and 4th in Super Combined.
Marta Bassino
Marta is only 20 and has got the season off to a great start with a podium finish in the first race of 2016/17 this year in Soelden. An ambitious and driven racer, this could be just the start of a very successful career for the Italian.
BY EMILY SPEARPOINT WALSH
63
cultura e società
sport