Kranjska Gora (Slovenia) (AFP)
Norwegian Aleksander Aamodt Kilde won the Men's Alpine Skiing World Cup on Thursday following the cancellation of the last two races of the season in Kranjska Gora (Slovenia) due to the coronavirus pandemic.
"Kilde won the big crystal globe," said the press manager of the International Ski Federation (FIS).
The 27-year-old Norwegian is ahead of the French overall Alexis Pinturault and another Norwegian, Henrik Kristoffersen.
"It's unreal, I have to say it. On the other hand, it's a shame we couldn't fight to the end. It's been a unique season for me, beyond all my expectations. I showed what I was worth and I delivered regular results. But it is still the surprise, "reacted Kilde to the agency NTB.
Kilde is 54 points ahead of Pinturault in the final World Cup standings, while a giant slalom on Saturday and a slalom on Sunday, more favorable to the 28-year-old Frenchman, were on the Slovenian stage program.
"It is particular, really very particular. It is difficult to accept. It is certain that there are external circumstances which are particular. The cancellation in itself, I can understand it. After that, it was mainly the way the FIS manages things, basically what happens, without really thinking about it ", regretted Pinturault.
The last three female World Cup races were canceled Wednesday night by FIS, also due to the spread of the coronavirus.
© 2020 AFP