"This title counts more than my Olympic title!"

Ted Ligety (USA), Cyprien Richard (FRA) and Philipp Schörghofer (AUT) were interviewed by the media at the press conference.

„It is far more difficult to get into a race as a favourite” said the new World Champion Ted Ligety (USA). “After the first heat I was close behind Aksel, and I knew that I still had a chance to get the title.” Considering the course, he said: “It is tricky, and has some difficult sections like the free fall. But I didn´t do any mistake in my second heat – and I risked a lot.” With this title, he concludes a successful season, saying “It was an awesome season.” This World Champion title means to him even more than his Olympic victory in Torino. “At that time it was a sensation, but today I was the big favourite.” said the American.  He describes his future goals as follows: “The older I get, the better I will be. N the future I want to focus on the Overall World Cup.”

“I love demanding courses”

Frenchman Cyprien Richard is 32 years old and just won the silver medal in the Giant Slalom. This was the first medal for the “Grande Nation” in their showpiece discipline since Frederic Covili´s 2001 victory in St. Anton. “Today I gave everything I could”, said the French racer. The medal means a lot to me. I watched the World Championchips since I was a little kid.” He only competes in Giant Slalom, and therefore he only had eight races per season. Regarding the course, he said: “I love difficult courses. The Kandhar is a true fight. All of us had to fight.” He does not want to quit though: “My further ambitions are very high. I am fit and I do not suffer any injuries. If I look at racers like Didier Cuche, I know I will have many fantastic seasons to run.”

“I really like Garmisch-Partenkirchen!”

Another Giant Slalom specialist ranked third. Austria´s Philipp Schörghofer got the sixth medal for his nation here in Garmisch-Partenkirchen – which was his second one. “I was very nervous yesterday” the Austrian admitted, “because in the Giant Slalom there is a field of 15 potential winners.” He particularly enjoyed the course: “The free fall is stunning section.” Even though the giant slalom expert avoids downhill courses, he says: “I like Garmisch-Partenkirchen very much!” His fans contributed to the amazing atmosphere. “There were around 120 fans – a great feeling – so many people being so close to you cheering”, said bronze medalist Schörghofer.