Marcel Hirscher won in Schladming for the 54th time. For the third time in his career, Hermann Maier equalled his all-time record. However, the fact that many fans are disappointed in Schladming after the Hirscher show is due to some spectators who threw Henrik Kristoffersen snowballs onto the runway during the ride of Hirscher rival Henrik Kristoffersen and irritated the Norwegians.
Meanwhile, after his victory two days ago in Kitzbühel, Kristoffersen raved about how much he had learned to love his adopted country Austria. After the snowball sensation of Schladming, this love seems somewhat gloomy, as Kristoffersen stated in an interview with the ORF radio station:”This is simply disrespectful. It was a bit of a home race for me, but it’s not pretty.”
Marcel Hirscher, too, seemed to be somewhat disappointed by the fans:”With 50,000 people, there are just three or four idiots. Kristoffersen let free rein in the finishing slope of his anger and informed Hirscher immediately after his arrival. Hirscher apologized for some fans and showed a bigger sporting spirit than the inglorious snowball throwers, who at the end of an incredibly exciting night race leave a pale taste in the spectacle.