An emotional rollercoaster

Bad luck in races, good luck in love for ski star

Maria Höfl-Riesch was a little too ambitious and crashed. She got stuck on a gate and made a belly flop.(Bild: Tröster Andreas)

Every year, the Hermann Maier Star Challenge attracts top-class celebrities to Flachau on the eve of the women's night slalom. While many an amateur shone with their performance, former ski star Maria Höfl-Riesch, of all people, landed a proper belly flop.

Minus 15 degrees couldn't harm the celebrities on Monday evening in Flachau. On the contrary! At the Hermann Maier Star Challenge in the run-up to the night slalom, the two-person teams battled for the title, and not just because of the weather. "Taking at least two seconds off Hermann, that's the goal," said folk rock'n'roller Andreas Gabalier.

Andreas Gabalier warmed up with off-piste splits - but despite excellent preparation, it was not enough for victory.(Bild: Tröster Andreas)

Racing legend Gerhard Berger was more realistic about his abilities: "Stay seated as long as possible, drink beer and have fun," was his motto.

Racing legend Gerhard Berger (behind Hermann Maier) had to shake a few hands with fans as well as drinking beer.(Bild: Tröster Andreas)

For former ski star Alexandra Meissitzer, the focus was on the visual aspect: her ski overall was adorned with golden stars: "I always put on a lot of clothes in temperatures like this. I get cold quickly," she confessed. The ski ladies Renate Götschl, Michaela Kirchgasser and Maria Höfl-Riesch agreed.

The "Herminator" also showed off his skills(Bild: Andreas Tröster)

It didn't work out for the latter ski lady on the slopes, she crashed. At least things are going well when it comes to love: after her lightning divorce from sports manager Marcus Höfl last week, the 40-year-old can now embark on a new phase in her life. And with a new man at her side: "MS Europa 2" hotel manager Johann Schrempf has captured the heart of the German.

Maria Höfl-Riesch and Ralf Rangnick showed themselves to be close to the people and patiently posed for selfies with spectators at the race.(Bild: Tröster Andreas)

However, the two are still waiting for their first public appearance. "He didn't come to Flachau," said Höfl-Riesch. Ralf Rangnick stepped in as the strong man at the German's side on Monday - purely in sporting terms, of course: Höfl-Riesch formed a sporting couple with the soccer coach at the Star Challenge.

Singer Julian le Play (left) and ski racer Thomas Dreßen were victorious(Bild: Andreas Tröster)

The most successful duo of the evening: singer Julian le Play won with ski racer Thomas Dreßen with the smallest time gap.

"The race is for a good cause. That's the most important thing," summed up Hermann Maier. The winners were able to donate 30,000 euros in prize money to a charitable organization. At the after-party in Flachau's Hofstadl, the celebrations continued until well after midnight.