INTERVIEW
Your decision and your motivations to join the Salomon brand and team this spring ?
I energetically decided to join Salomon. In skiing life, as in daily life, sometimes you have to change, to challenge yourself again, to feel something different. Now I am with Salomon Team to come back to the top of Slalom racing world.
Your sensations with your new Salomon equipment ?
I feel very good with the new equipment. It’s just the skis, but everything about the set of skis, bindings & boots. I have to say that Salomon technicians are supporting me all the time, especially during testing and they are studying all my individual needs. They are really helping me.
Your Italian and Salomon teammates Davide and Alberto ?
Well, Davide is one of my best friends because last year we were in the same ski group and often we were in the same room too. We lived together on our World Cup journeys. I am very happy about Alberto joining our group this year.
Your knee injury and come back on snow ?
My knee feels good now. It was difficult to get back on the snow to train hard again. At the beginning, I preferred to train easily, to find my confidence again and to perfectly control my movements. At this time it is going very well.
Your goals and dreams for the next season? For your career?
I want to be number one again in Slalom races. In any case, it is important to come back to the Slalom podium as soon as possible.
Your very good performances last season in Giant Slalom and goals in this discipline?
Giant Slalom is not my priority this season. I had some good races in the past, but I need to focus on Slalom this winter. I need to forget the injury.
You had a great 5th place in combined during the last Olympics: what are your ambitions in Combined for the future ?
Well, I did some very good results in Combined races: 8th in St.Moritz 2003, 5th in Torino 2006 and bronze medal in Bormio 2005. But for my knee, I don’t want to force it early on in Downhill.
Skiing
Your First skiing memories?
My first memory with ski was at the age of six at the end of the ski training session in Livigno. I remember that I didn’t want to come back home…I kept skiing alone behind all the way home ‘till night.
Key people in your ski career?
My ski trainer Claudio Ravetto, my personal trainer Roberto Manzoni and Tania, my wife. All are so important for me when I began to race and when I didn’t collect so may results.
Your favourite Slalom run or competition on the men’s circuit?
Wengen, Schladming and the famous 3Tre in Madonna di Campiglio:
I hope that FIS can put it again in the official calendar.
Your previous injury and come back ?
It’s never easy to recover after an injury. For no one. But I always counted on me.
Your first Slalom crystal Globe and impressive list of 5 successes in 2006 ?
This is my best sport memory. An incredible season: I was so confident, free and fearless. I want to win again, I hope to repeat that season, but it will be so hard…
Life
Your Holidays? What have you done this spring for your holidays ? What do you like to do in general for your vacations ?
I spent sometime in Sardegna, on the Adriatic seashore and in Livigno.
Your home? Where and how do you live ? What do you like to do when you are home?
When I am at home I stay with my family, Tania my wife and my children. I often travel around the world, so I love to stop and stay with them.
Your Other interests? Other passions, hobbies and professional occupation beside skiing?
I like biking, swimming and horseback riding.
About the future?
A first place in a World Cup race and after I will consider it ….
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