Grandvalira-Andorra hosted, as it did last year, the FIS Speed Ski World Cup Finals last weekend.
The ladies’ Crystal Globe had already been secured by Valentin Greggio (ITA) as she won her 4thtitle in the discipline a few weeks ago in Idre Fjäll (SWE). Runner up position was taken by Celia Martinez (FRA) who won the last competition of the year. Britta Backlund (SWE) took 3rd position. Valentina Greggio is the reigning World Champion and has again shown, despite the competition getting very close at times, that she is the undisputed champion in ladies’ Speed Skiing.
But in the men’s competition there was still all to fight for going into the final weekend. Former Alpine Junior World Champion Manuel Kramer (AUT) and nine-time Crystal Globe winner Simone Origone (ITA) both came to Andorra with 780 points. During the last two competitions which were held under challenging wind and snow conditions, Simone Origone got the better of Manuel Kramer and secured an unprecedented 10th Crystal Globe.
The Ski and Mountain Guide from the Aosta Valley who had to endure serious knee injuries in the past was overcome by emotions as he realised he had won the title. The battle for third position was decided by reigning World Champion Bastien Montes from France.
The Nations Cup went to France ahead of Italy and Austria. New Zealand and Japan entered into the top 10 for the first time. In total 20 countries participated in this year‘s competition.
Source: fis-ski.com
