The 2011/12 Ski Worldcup is just around the corner! The first Giant Slalom of the season will take place in Sölden/Austria at this weekend. The women will officially open the new season on Saturday, 22 October followed by the mens competition on Sunday, 23 October. Last years race saw Germanys Victoria Rebensburg on top of the Podium at the womens competition. The mens race had to be cancelled after the first of two runs due to bad weather conditions.

Our Brand Ambassadors Lara Gut and Bode Miller will return to race action after a long summer preparation break – we wish good luck and much success for the upcoming season. We've had the chance to talk to Lara & Bode right before the season opening in Sölden.

 Interview with Lara 

So Lara, how do feel after the long preparation time during summer? Are you ready for the new Season 11/12?
I'm feeling good and I'm excited for the winter to come in no time! We've trained hard during summer and now I can't hardly wait for the first race to start.

What are your goals for the season opening race in Sölden?
I will just try to race fast. The first race is always a bit special, since you can't make any estimates on your current shape.

Who will accompany you to the season opening in Sölden? Will the whole "Team Gut" be around?
Yes, we'll all be there ;)!

What will be your personal season highlight? Which race are you especially looking forward to?
It will be fun to go back to Andorra, I've won my first European Cup Giant Slalom there :)! And Sotchi is also going to be interesting.

Lara don't generally sets specific goals, she is trying to give her best at every single race. Whether that means winning a race or ending up in the top 15. Get to know Lara by clicking here. 

 Interview with Bode 

On our way to Sölden, we had the opportunity to do a quick interview with Bode in the car. We asked him about his preparations and goals for Sölden and the upcoming season. Click play and listen:

Here's a short summary of the interview with Bode:

As usual, Bode’ s goals are pretty focused but still down-to-earth. Of course he’s hoping to win, but making it to the finish line without any mistakes is his personal aim. For the performance, he’d like to be in the top 5.
Regarding any ski competitions, Bode has the attitude that one should just take what one has got: “Go in there and try to win”. His preparation hasn’t changed much during the last years, however it still “creeps him up” when it comes to the point he realizes that it would be better to have two more weeks. 
For this year, especially without any distractions like Olympics and Championchips, Bode is quite focused on winning the title for the World Cup to continue his series: 2005, 2008 and 2011. Besides preparing for Sölden and the upcoming season, he spent the summer with his daughter in San Diego, California. “The best place to spend summer”, says Bode.