Threader in race one

Comeback man Schwarz also flies out in Madonna

Marco Schwarz was eliminated in the first run.(Bild: GEPA, orf)

Pure frustration for Marco Schwarz in Madonna di Campiglio. Austria's comeback man was also left without points in the first slalom of the year 2025 after threading in the first run.  

"I got caught up and then dropped out - that's obviously very, very bitter," said Schwarz in an interview with ORF after the race. "But it doesn't help to moan. I have to keep at it and gain the confidence that I can fight again. Things are going ok in training, I'm not among the fastest, but I'm there. Unfortunately, I can't do that in the race yet - I have to get the confidence back." 

(Bild: GEPA)

But "Blacky" had so much planned for Madonna: "It's always good when you come to a slope where you've already celebrated a victory. That gives you motivation and brings back good memories," said Schwarz before the race.

After all, the Carinthian had triumphed in Madonna shortly before his cruciate ligament rupture in December 2023. Nevertheless, the first slalom of 2025 will only last a few gates for Schwarz.

No points yet
In his comeback season after a cruciate ligament rupture and a herniated disc, the Carinthian still has no results to his name after three slalom appearances. In Val d'Isere he was eliminated in the second run, in Alta Badia he failed to qualify for the final - and in Madonna this Wednesday it wasn't enough either.