Aleksander Aamodt Kilde has already won three downhill races and two super-G races on the Saslong. The Norwegians seem to have a particular affinity for the World Cup slope in Val Gardena/Gröden: his compatriot Aksel Lund Svindal has stood on the podium here seven times, and in 2015 the entire super-G podium was Norwegian – Aksel Lund Svindal, Kjetil Jansrud, and Aleksander Kilde. No wonder Kilde always enjoys returning to Val Gardena/Gröden.

“When I talk about Val Gardena/Gröden, I get emotional because I just love this place. Last year, I couldn’t be there due to injury. That makes me even more excited for the races this year,” says Kilde in an interview. After nearly 700 days away from racing – following his serious crash at the World Cup race in Wengen on 13 January, 2024 – he made his comeback at the end of November in Copper Mountain in the super-G, earning an emotional top-25 finish.

At the finish line, his relief and joy were unmistakable. His return was anything but guaranteed: shoulder problems, inflammation, and several operations marked the past two years. “I can hardly wait,” says the Norwegian speed specialist. “I celebrated my first podium on the Saslong. The people here are incredibly friendly, the slope is perfectly groomed, and the conditions are great every year.” Although Kilde enters this World Cup season without big expectations, one thing matters most: “I just hope to be competitive and get back into the World Cup step by step. That’s all I want.”

Kilde plans to compete in all races in Val Gardena/Gröden – and tackle the Sochers, the Camel Humps, and the Ciaslat in his usual impressive style. Both the spectators and the organizing committee are thrilled to welcome the likeable Norwegian back to the Saslong after such a long injury break.