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To this day, Hannes Reichelt is the only athlete allowed to hit the slopes in the final of the 2021 World Cup in Lenzerheide, suffering from bad weather. Out of competition, of course. The 40-year-old from Salzburg deserves a dignified farewell and he dressed for it. The former world champion made his last wardrobe changes, at the finish line his ÖSV teammates greeted him with applause and a shower of champagne. Needless to say, Vincent Kriechmayr was there too. The 29-year-old Gramastettner has been the first Austrian to win the small crystal ball in the Super-G since 2008, 13 years ago the time had come for Reichelt in this discipline.
“Vinc has absolutely deserved it, he delivered an incredible season,” said Reichelt happily with his heir to the throne. “The two Cortina World Cup gold medals and my first ball have the same status,” emphasized Kriechmayr, for whom the season ended. He will not contest the giant slalom tomorrow.
Reichelt finished his race with a smile on his face: “Today I woke up and thought: race! Oh no, it’s over. I dropped a big piece, I still don’t regret it,” said the 13-race winner of the World Cup. world. Postscript: “Emotionally, I’m still a long way from skiing.” ÖSV Men’s Race Director Andreas Puelacher praised Reichelt’s services: “It is a shame that a great athlete is retiring. Hannes is a great personality, he was fully accepted and held a leadership position.”
