On Saturday, the men's 2018 speed races on the Saslong concluded with a downhill victory for Norwegian Aleksander Aamodt Kilde. On Tuesday, 18 October and Wednesday, 19 October, two ladies’ races took place for the first time in Val Gardena/Gröden and all went well. Ilka Stuhec from Slovenia won both races. Rainer Senoner, President of the Organizing Committee of Val Gardena/Gröden can look back on a successful week of racing in ideal conditions for both ladies and men.

"Mr. Senoner, what was the conclusion after the men's race week?
"We can be more than satisfied. Once again, we saw spectacular races at the highest level on the Saslong, but everything just worked out so well. Special thanks go to all the collaborators who tirelessly dedicated themselves around the clock to make the races possible in the first place. We expect the conditions to be the same for ladies’ World Cup on the Saslong - so we did our best to satisfy everyone”.

"During the week Val Gardena/Gröden was praised again and again for the perfect organization. What does this mean for you?
"Yes, the feedback was very positive. The last one came just now from Svindal. The Norwegian champion said that from an athletic perspective this was the best edition, where you could truly attack from top to bottom. The only downer is the bad fall of the Swiss Marc Gisin, for which I am personally very sorry. I wish him all the best for a speedy recovery.”

"This year, ladies’ races took place in Val Gardena/Gröden for the first time. How did it go in your opinion and how did you find the races?
"I think it went really well. I would like to thank everyone for their cooperation. "You have many people involved in the organization..." "Yes, nothing would work without this staff. I can’t stress my gratitude enough. We make a great team. Everyone is equally important and I’m thrilled that the cooperation works so smoothly every year. I really enjoyed watching the ladies’ races, which were very interesting. I'm glad that nobody got hurt and that everyone liked it."

"Mr. Senoner, what was the importance of the ladies’ races for Val Gardena/Gröden and will they take place here again in the future?
"These races were very important for Val Gardena/Gröden. It has to be said that we tried very hard to make everything possible. I think we showed a lot of courage by organizing these additional races here. For the time being, only the men's races will take place in the next few years. But we are open to hosting a ladies' race here if the need arises again."