The oldest and the youngest competitor of the Italian team shared the first World Cup victory of the season. Patrik Pigneter (17) and Anton Blasbichler (32) finished in a tie. “I have not been nervous at all, maybe even a little bit too calm”, said the youngster after the race. “I knew Toni´s time, but it did not increase the pressure on me.” Pigneter had not been a no-name having won the silver medal in last year`s junior World Championships, still he was exceeding everybody´s expectations, even his own: “I did not believe that I could win the race, considering that it was only my second World Cup.” He had been taken into the team at the end of the last season and gave his debut in Aurach (AUT).
Also Anton Blasbichler gave him credits: “In training I really had a hard time catching up with the youngsters. Mostly I was behind Pigneter or Psenner. So I am more than satisfied that I could celebrate another win today. There were some parts in the track which I did not like too much, but I did quite well altogether.”
Speaking of what can be expected for the oncoming winter last season´s serial winner Blasbichler said: “With a little luck everything is possible. Two years ago I had no luck at all, last year I was rewarded with some tight decisions on my favour, so let´s see what will be this year. I am sure that the Austrians will fight back, especially when we will race on the faster tracks in January.”
The best of the today beaten Austrians was Gernot Schwab: “Today I am the best of the rest, I can live with that. Last year I finished sixth in the first race, this year I am fourth and best Austrian, no reason not to be satisfied.”