Italy's women's World Cup speed group is set to leave for South America. Technical director Gianluca Rulfi has named seven athletes for training in Ushuaia, Argentina, and La Parva, Chile. The flight to Argentina is scheduled for Wednesday, September 2. Teresa Runggaldier is on the list. The skier from Val Gardena returns to the group for the first time since her serious injury.
The squad
These are the seven Italians called up:
- Roberta Melesi
- Sara Allemand
- Sara Thaler
- Nadia Delago
- Nicol Delago
- Asja Zenere
- Teresa Runggaldier
Head coach Giovanni Feltrin leads the group. Neveitalia calls him the group's long-standing coach. Giorgio Pavoni, Alberto Parola and Paolo Stefanini make up the rest of the coaching and fitness staff. Asja Zenere, from the province of Vicenza, has stood on a super-G podium in Val di Fassa.
The speed skiers are the last group of the "Valanga Rosa" to travel to Ushuaia. The elite team, without Federica Brignone, and the giant slalom group, without Martina Peterlini, have already travelled to Ushuaia. According to 7Comuni Online, Sofia Goggia, Marta Bassino, Laura Pirovano and Elena Curtoni are already in the southern hemisphere to continue their preparation.
Runggaldier's return
Runggaldier got hurt in training at Copper Mountain, USA, at the end of 2024, a few days before the season opener in Beaver Creek. She tore the cruciate ligament and broke the fibula in her right leg. According to Neveitalia, Beaver Creek will once again open the speed season in 2026/27.
Alpine SkiingFIS turmoil deepens as Trinkl turns down Waldner's race director jobThe reports differ on how long she has been out. Neveitalia says she spent two full seasons on the sidelines, while 7Comuni Online says almost two seasons. Race Ski Magazine reports that she has not raced since March 2024. 7Comuni Online calls her comeback one of the most eagerly awaited.
Argentina first, then Chile
Under the plan, the group is to stay in Ushuaia until Friday, September 18. After that, the skiers are due to move on to La Parva in Chile. There, two weeks until October 2 are set aside for downhill and super-G training only.
