"It was brutally funny"

Manuel Feller has to give up the Aspen RTL due to injury

Manuel Feller in Aspen

(Bild: orf, krone.at-grafik)

Scary moment for ÖSV star Manuel Feller. The Tyrolean had to end the first run of the giant slalom in Aspen prematurely on Friday evening after making a mistake due to pain. However, his slalom start on Sunday is not in danger.

It was after just a few gates: Feller lifts it out on a right turn, his grip immediately goes to his back, which has been damaged for years. The ÖSV star gives up before the second intermediate time. Nothing works anymore! Feller stops next to the track, bending over in pain. Fans and supporters tremble - anxious minutes pass before the all-clear is given at the finish.

Manuel Feller

(Bild: GEPA pictures)

"Brutally funny"
Feller in an interview with ORF: "No, I didn't shoot myself, but my back was a bit tight. It took a bit of a toll on me during the action, and then I didn't think I could do it again on the wave. It was brutally strange, because at the beginning of the turn you get no feedback and then suddenly there's enormous pressure. It's very difficult here." But does the slalom World Cup leader have to worry about his start on Sunday? "I feel like I usually do after a giant slalom. It wasn't an advantage, but it ended well again. Regenerate tomorrow - the slalom is not in danger," says "Manu", giving the all-clear.

Feller already subordinated everything in the run-up to the possible slalom crowning on Sunday, skipping the giant slalom on Saturday in the Rocky Mountains. Perhaps he should have skipped the one on Friday as well ...