An important decision for "the last part of Pinturault's career".
Aug 15, 2023·Alpine Skiing
While there were rumours at the end of last season, it is now official: Alexis Pinturault (FRA) is officially saying goodbye to his slalom career. From next winter onwards, the Savoyard will concentrate on the speed disciplines and the giant slalom.
It's a love story that's been going on since January 6, 2010 in Zagreb, when Alexis took part in his first World Cup slalom, which ends today.
Since then, the multi-successful skier has been on the podium 12 times and celebrated 3 slalom victories (Val d'Isère 2012 and 2019, Wengen 2014).
So, 127 slaloms starts later, the slalom discipline is well and truly over for the Frenchman!
It's a decision that the skier from Courchevel had already mentioned at the last World Championships on home soil in February, when he won the combined event and took bronze in the super-G.
A few days ago, on his social networks, the Alpine Combined World Champion shared a message with his fans:
"It's time to be back on skis and this season will be without small skis.
Slalom brought me a lot of pleasure, challenges, work and successes: victories, podiums and successes in alpine combined.
But today I inspire renewal for this last part of my career. Speed has always been a part that i liked so much and for which I never left a lot of time.
Today I want to get down to it. I have a lot to discover, to learn, to progress!
I'm excited at the idea of having a new calendar, a new way of working!
Of course Giant Slalom will remain 100% in my program: you never give up on your first love"
The 32-year-old skier is setting himself a new challenge by changing his plans for his summer preparation.
