Peter Fill, two-time overall downhill winner, talks about his mixed relationship with the Saslong and what role the material will play in this year's downhill.

Mr. Fill, you now have two downhill training runs under your belt in Val Gardena/Gröden. Ready for tomorrow's race?
 Always. The anticipation is great. I am satisfied with my two training runs. In some passages I would like to do a bit better in the race - but I’m ready. The Saslong presents itself from its best side and is in perfect condition: smooth, icy, compact with pronounced waves - as always, it will not be an easy race.

Where the right choice of material plays a big role?
Definitely this year. It seems like there are two different conditions: aggressive at the top and icy at the bottom. In such cases, it is always difficult to choose the right material: in fresh snow you need skis with a fine edge, which offer little resistance and in the icy part it definitely needs more edge, otherwise it burns the skis due to the friction. Generally, skis that fit in the icy part prevail than vice versa. But it is a tricky game that also requires the right amount of luck. This will definitely be a challenge for the service people.

Does this mean a wider circle is drawn among those who could win?
No, I would not say that. Of course you have to count many racers on that list of favorites here in Val Gardena, but those who have been fast here in recent years will be the same as this year, too. For the Saslong you have to find the right rhythm. Steven Nymen, for example, is one who understands the Saslong very well and therefore can always be fast here. This year he is not yet in top shape, though, since he has only just come back from an injury, as far as i know - but that doesn’t mean anything. Also Aksel Lund Svindal has all the prerequisites to triumph in Val Gardena/Gröden again. His team-mates, and also Beat Feuz from Switzerland, are definitely all among the favorites.

And Peter Fill?
It’s hard to say. Unfortunately I have always had a bit of a harder time here on the Saslong than elsewhere. But I'm convinced that I can be fast here too, if everything goes well. I know I will not give up on this track and continue to fight to be fast. After all, this race, as my home race, has a great significance for me.

Is the pressure at this home race greater than elsewhere?
Yes, that is certainly a factor that plays a role here. Many acquaintances, friends, relatives and my family come to Val Gardena/Gröden to see me racing here. The opportunity to watch a World Cup race live on your doorstep is quite unique for the people from my hometown. In this case, you also want to get good results and put your skills to the test - you're not as relaxed as you should be. The speed is already there. I will do my best. And it will be what it will be! 

For the last two years, you have been the most consistent downhill racer in the World Cup, twice claiming overall victory in the discipline. Can you count on this consistency again this year?
It is too early to answer this question. I'm in good shape, I proved that with a fourth place in Lake Louise - despite two mistakes. In Beaver Creek, I had some problems with the track: during training, I missed a gate twice, that blew my chances. I can not say yet if I'm as good as in the last years. But I am always someone to be reckoned with, on every track - that's the most important thing to me. Sometimes you have more luck and sometimes less - but I am very confident. 

This year Val Gardena/Gröden is celebrating its 50th anniversary. What do you get as an athlete from this highlight?
It is noticeable that there is something new, different and more emotional here this year. But as an athlete you do not focus on the anniversary celebration. Nonetheless, I will especially enjoy being at the start and thus be part of this history which is so important for this valley.

A race fifty years ago has not much in common with a race today, does it?
Rather not. The athletes of the past deserve great respect. These were wild guys, considering the conditions in which they raced a race: little protection, no nets, hardly or badly prepared racetracks, a helmet that was like a cap - it was extremely risky back then. We have very different safety standards today and are simply much better equipped ourselves - starting with skis, boots, helmets and various protective devices. And yet, as you have seen, there is always a residual risk. The tracks of earlier times were moguls compared to now. The racers needed a lot of juice in the legs and a big dose of courage - and that's probably the only thing a race from the past has in common with today.