Concluding a rigorous week of physical conditioning in Magglingen, the athletes of the Alpine men's World Cup Group 2 and 4 faced yet another challenge. The athletes wore racing suits and helmets - just as they are used to - but instead of standing on their skis they got to sit in a go-cart this time. After the time trials, things were getting serious when the 45 minute go-cart race got underway. It soon became clear that the ski racers / drivers were being challenged significantly on that kart track.
However, neither Carlo Janka or Didier Cuche won as some may have expected but instead Reto Weisskopf claimed victory. Weisskopf, who is the Swiss men's conditioning coach, literally outclassed his athletes. "Of course it feels good to be even faster than the athletes - at least on the kart track," Weisskopf said in the finish. Daniel Albrecht finished second ahead of Sandro Viletta in third. Marc Berthod had to abandon the race due to an engine defect.
During the breaks, the skiers were signing autographs for fans and spectators who watched their idols racing in sweltering heat.
