Kalle Palander is now one of the superstars on the alpine skiing circuit

Success in giant slalom increased esteem to new level

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By Jussi-Pekka Reponen in Sölden
     
      The crackling of cameras heats up as Kalle Palander places himself between Austria's Hermann Maier and American Bode Miller for a photo op during the massive press conference held by ski team Atomic.
      A couple of hundred reporters and photographers have arrived at the five-star hotel for the press conference, held on the eve of the alpine skiing World Cup season opener.
      There they are: according to many experts, the three superstars and most eminent athletes of the men's World Cup circuit.
     
Even though Kalle Palander, 27, won the slalom World Cup title during the season before last, only last year's success in giant slalom elevated him to a place among the greats of the sport.
      Last season, Palander won two giant slalom events, and finished second in the discipline's World Cup standings.
      "You get a completely different amount of respect and esteem from other skiers and coaches if you succeed in giant slalom. Then you are considered a more skilled skier. I noticed it immediately after my first giant slalom win, when I got an incredible number of congratulations", Palander recalls.
     
The rise in esteem has been further bolstered by the fact that last season Palander recorded the largest number of wins, sharing the figure with Miller. In addition to the two giant slalom top spots, the Finn rose to the highest step on the podium four times after slalom events.
      Palander's status in alpine skiing circles is reflected in the phenomenon that during the seven alpine training camps before the start of this season, more and more video cameras from competing teams have turned to focus in on his practice runs.
      "Of course it is a wild situation when even the Norwegian team films me. There have been at least three or four cameras every day", Palander says, and the other members of the Finnish team confirm his words.
     
The skiers and coaches from other countries are interested in Palander's unique alpine skiing technique.
      "Kalle has an incredible technique in giant slalom as well, and it is rivalled by no one. It is so easy and relaxed. Maybe even his personality affects it", colleague Sami Uotila sings his praises.
      According to head coach Christian Leitner, there is no great point in shooting film of Palander, as it is extremely difficult to imitate the Finn's technique.
     
According to his own estimates, Palander is starting this year's World Cup circus "surprisingly hungry". He faces 17 starts in the World Cup, with two races in the World Championships squeezed in between.
      Palander finished second in the slalom World Cup standings last season after some controversial twists, so he was left desiring more.
      "There are no problems now. I am skiing better than I was at this time last year", Palander summarises his current form.
     
He is not ashamed to admit that the start of the season is making him a bit nervous.
      "With the first race on a tough slope, it brings its own additional excitement. I know that on a good day I can win. However, I will be satisfied if I make the top five", Palander says.
      The season opener will take place on the Rettenbach glacier, at a height of over 3,000 metres.
      "On that slope, giant slalom is so fast that it resembles Super-G more. You cannot ski cleanly technically, but you need to charge all out. The one who dares to take chances will succeed. I will try to ski calmly so that I can get a result."
     
The left knee that bothered him last spring has reminded Palander of itself again lately.
      "We will see on Sunday morning whether it needs to be numbed with cortisone. Then after the race we will decide whether the knee needs another injection next week", Palander explains.
      The main goal of Palander's season is not at the World Championships, but in one particular World Cup event.
      "I would like to win the Kitzbühel slalom for the third time in a row. It would be great to match at least one achievement of Ingemar Stenmark. If I had to choose between a win at Kitzbühel and the World Championship in giant slalom, then the choice would be tough", Palander grins, standing beneath the Finnish flag amidst the hubbub of the press conference.
     
Helsingin Sanomat / First published in print 23.10.2004
     
As the linked article below shows, Kalle Palander did secure a result on Sunday, finishing third in the race behind runaway victor Bode Miller. His Finnish colleague on the women's side went one better: Tanja Poutiainen was second in the Sölden giant slalom. It was an excellent start for the top Finnish pair.  

More on this subject:
 FACTFILE: Five Finns in season opener

Previously in HS International Edition:
  Poutiainen and Palander make a flying start; Räikkönen winds up season on podium (25.10.2004)
  Palander second in slalom and giant slalom world cups (15.3.2004)

JUSSI-PEKKA REPONEN / Helsingin Sanomat
jussi-pekka.reponen@hs.fi