Not even a year has passed since the last World Cup Finals, and the Avet course will once again host two new competitions on the circuit this weekend, a Giant Slalom and a Slalom. On the course in Soldeu, everything is ready for the skiers to debut on the new GS layout, which includes a modification at the start. In this section, below the first wall, a platform has been added so that the course is steeper and, consequently, the racers start with a more technically demanding layout and at faster speeds. 

So, on Saturday at 10:30h (first run) and at 13:30h (second run) the Giant Slalom competition will be held, a discipline that is currently led by Lara Gut-Behrami (CH). The notable absentee is Mikaela Shiffrin (USA), who has not been able to recover in time from the fall she had on the 26th of January. She announced the news herself on social media, where she highlighted that she felt really unhappy about it because of the special memories Soldeu has given her. If Gut-Behrami wins the Giant Slalom, she will overtake Shiffrin in the overall rankings, as the American is currently ahead of the Swiss racer by a gap of only 95 points.

Training on the legendary course was cancelled due to the visibility on Friday, but the skiers were able to train on the course on the Esparver slope, as planned. The course preparation teams are prepared for all weather conditions, as forecasts indicate that snowfall is expected that could potentially leave up to 20cms of fresh snow during the day on Saturday.

The competitions can be followed from the stands that are located at the foot of the Avet course, (for last tickets on sale) and will also be broadcast live on Radio and Television Andorra and Eurosport. 

Public Bib Draw 
The après-ski venue L'Abarset in the El Tarter sector of the Grandvalira ski area was full this Friday afternoon with everyone enjoying the entertaining public bib draw ceremony for the top 15 placed GS racers. The event involved the young members of the ski clubs in Andorra. The first skiers on this Saturday’s starting list were assigned and are Marta Bassino (ITA), Thea Louise Stjernesund (NOR) and Federica Brignone (ITA).  It is a fun event that has already become an essential tradition, as it is a relaxed occasion when the young ones have the opportunity to see the athletes up close.