Ortlieb eyes giant slalom comeback
Nina Ortlieb is ready for the new ski season. The speed specialist looks back with satisfaction on her preparation, during which she focused increasingly on giant slalom.
Austrian skier Nina Ortlieb has not always been lucky in her career. The 30-year-old had to cope with numerous injuries and repeatedly fight her way back.
Now, she has finally been able to complete a season preparation without rehabilitation. A few weeks before the Alpine Ski World Cup season kicks off again for points and podium finishes, Ortlieb feels more ready than she has in a long time. During her preparation, she seems to have rediscovered her love for giant slalom.
Back to the Roots
Ortlieb wants to incorporate more technique into her daily training routine and therefore does not rule out a return to giant slalom.
The Vorarlberg native once entered the World Cup via the alpine core discipline before concentrating on the speed events.
However, Ortlieb has now realized that she misses giant slalom training. "I have a good feel for flat sections and wide turns. If I focus more on technique, I can get more out of it," the 30-year-old explained to "welovesnow.ch".
Focus Remains on Speed Disciplines
Although her focus clearly remains on downhill and Super-G, she can imagine competing in a giant slalom again. "The idea is certainly alive," says Ortlieb.
For the Vorarlberg native, a giant slalom comeback would not only be an additional start opportunity. She also sees the discipline as an important building block for her development in speed events: "My goal is also to improve my Super-G performance through giant slalom again."
Ready Like Never Before
For the first time in several years, Ortlieb can look forward to the season start without uncertainty. "If it were up to me, it could start soon," said the 2023 Méribel downhill vice world champion.
Whether the 30-year-old will also be on the start line for the giant slalom at the season opener in Sölden remains to be seen.
