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Anja
Paerson fighting for more for Maribor
Anja, how do you feel after
the intense week in Cortina d’Ampezzo
?
A.P. “I’m doing fine now
- we had some good training days in
Dobbiacco to prepare the next technical
races in Maribor. Last week was pretty
tough with four speed races and two
training runs. The downhill course
in Cortina is difficult, very fast
in the upper part. I didn’t ski
so well in training especially on
the steep “Tofana Schuss”
where some skiers cruised at over
130 km/h. The conditions here are
fine and help us to get back in shape
in the technical specialties.”
Are you pleased by your results
in Cortina – you didn’t
look too happy after the Super-G’s?”
A.P. “I scored my first points
in downhill but I was for sure aiming
for more. I had the feeling I could
have been faster so it was a little
frustrating but I’m still learning.
The weather conditions were not as
good as in St Moritz last month so
I couldn’t attack too much. Experience
is obviously crucial in the speed
events. I know I can do better and
I hope to prove it in the next few
weeks. I plan to compete in Haus too.”
What are your expectations for
Maribor?
A.P. “I like to compete in Maribor;
I had much success there in the past.
Last year I became the first racer
to win both competitions on the same
weekend. Two years ago, I won two
slaloms, so I feel comfortable going
there. I hope the snow will be hard.
But the other specialists had much
time to train and relax in the past
two weeks so they will be rested and
motivated. Nicole Hosp is always a
tough rival and many others too!”
What are your feelings regarding the
overall World Cup?
A.P. “The battle is intensifying;
Hilde Gerg has been incredibly consistent
since the season start and she is
just behind me. Nicole Hosp will fight
back so it’s still a long shot.
But it’s very interesting you
know. I’m enjoying it and I’ll
do my best to remain in the run until
the end. I may win the title this
year but I can also wait a couple
of years. It was not part of my plan
so I would not be upset if I don’t
clinch it this time. I’m already
pretty busy with the slalom and GS
standings.”
How’s your relationship with
Renate Goetchl?
A.P. “Good, Renate is a tough
competitor and she has already achieved
a lot. We get along well. She is fighting
hard during her races but she is very
relaxed otherwise. We both have fun
on the tour. She won so much in her
career yet she continues to charge
and race at 100%! She deserves much
respect for this. I think it’s
good for the women’s circuit
that there are so many great champions
involved in this competition. It makes
it very exciting for us and the crowd.”
Ingemar Stenmark said that he is
closely following your season and
that he hopes to join you in Taernaby
for a great party in March –
any comment about this?
A.P. “It would be great! I would
be very proud to have him attending
our end-of-the-season celebration.
Last year, it was very nice and a
lot of people showed up! I met him
a few times in Monaco and I like to
chat with him. He is still in great
shape and I would enjoy skiing once
with him!”
What does it take to capture de
title this winter ?
A.P. “To score a maximum of points
in every race. Each point count –
that’s why I decided to compete
in Haus. I thought about taking a
break but at this point I have no
choice if I want to remain at the
top of the standings. It’s tough
because I have less time to rest and
regenerate. I have been racing each
weekend since the Italian races early
December. I’m looking forward
for a break in February!”
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