Kick-off in Pitztal

47 hundredths short of a duel with the number 1

Ski cross racer Anna-Lena Voplakal was at the start in Pitztal.(Bild: Boris Voplakal)

Thanks to successful crowdfunding, ski cross racer Anna-Lena Voplakal fulfilled her dream of preparing for the season with the ÖSV support group. The 19-year-old from Vorarlberg has now completed her first two races of the season on the Pitztal Glacier - including against the reigning overall World Cup winner.

"It's a feast for the eyes when you can watch skiers like Marielle Thompson or Hannah Schmidt and watch others do the same," enthused Vorarlberg ski cross newcomer Anna-Lena Voplakal.

The 19-year-old started her first full season with two FIS races in Pitztal on Friday and Saturday. The Dornbirn-based athlete finished in 20th place on Friday, when only the qualifying race was held due to the weather, at the very competitive events - including the Canadian A-team with overall World Cup winner Thompson.

Start element as a "spoilsport"
On Saturday, Anna-Lena missed out on the final heat of the best 16 in 17th place by just 0.47 seconds - and thus also a quarter-final duel with Thompson, the current world number one. "After being sick in bed for a week recently, I simply lacked a bit of strength at times," said the Kästle skier. "I also struggled with the third element at the start, especially on Friday. However, I gave it my all and that's important."

Sweden is waiting for Anna-Lena
Voplakal can take the next steps in her development in December. She can take part in the FIS Women's Development Camp in Idre Fjäll, Sweden.