Last weekend in Beaver Creek, Colorado, 23-year-old Carlo Janka of Switzerland took the Audi FIS Ski World Cup by storm winning three races on three consecutive days. Heading into competition this weekend in Val d'Isere, France Janka leads teammate Didier Cuche in the overall standings 460-355.
Q: Can you comment on your sensational season start? What kind of feeling is it when everything is going so smoothly?
Janka: It's a great feeling. A feeling of doing everything right.
Q: What does it mean to you to be leading the overall World Cup standings after seven races?
Janka: Nothing is done so far. The season has just started and a lot can still happen. My success gives me a good feeling and much confidence.
Q: How important would it be for you to clinch an overall World Cup title?
Janka: The overall World Cup is my main goal and also a dream that I wish to accomplish in the future. We shall see when this will happen.
Q: What kind of feeling is it to win the treacherous "Birds of Prey" downhill ahead of top racers like Cuche, Svindal, Miller and Walchhofer?
Janka: To beat such champions is pretty exciting and overwhelming too. Yet it is even more important to maintain that level of performance in the upcoming races and to beat them again.
Q: Which is currently your preferred discipline?
Janka: It's giant slalom because I can fully achieve my technical potential in that discipline.
Q: What are your expectations in super-G and slalom knowing that you also improved your level in those disciplines?
Janka: Last spring, I managed to improve my se-up in slalom a lot with the help of the Atomic technicians and I found a good rhythm in that discipline. When it makes sense I may enter more slalom races in the future. Regarding super-G I worked hard during recent snow training on my gliding abilities which I need to improve. I do feel much more comfortable now in that event than before.
Q: Is it special for you to be back in Val d'Isere where you have already enjoyed great success?
Janka: It is for sure special to come back to a place where I celebrated three major successes last season.
Q: Which future races are you aiming for the most?
Janka: I mostly like the races at home in Adelboden and Wengen. The entire atmosphere there is unmatched and very motivating for us athletes. We all try very hard to give our best there.
Q: Explain to us in a few words how you can always stay so cool?
Janka: There is nothing to explain. That is my character!
Q: Do you believe that Manchester United is able to win the 2010 Premier League Championship and also the Champions League? Who is the best player on that club?
Janka: I really hope so. It's my wish. The best player is Wayne Rooney.
Interview provided by GFC Sports Management AG
