5 many years in the past, in late March , 1975, ski racing become a full-blown thriller within the Italian Dolomites on the Ronc slope in Ortisei, Val Gardena.
The FIS had determined that the World Cup Remaining of that season could be a parallel slalom race, with the apparent intention of creating the finale much more thrilling.
At that time, nobody knew what they have been about to witness on this unforgettable ski season. Heading into the ultimate race in Ortisei, which was set to crown an already iconic season, three athletes have been tied on the prime of the general World Cup standings:
Gustav Thöni, the South Tyrolean famous person and main determine of one of the best Italian ski group of all time. The legendary Valanga Azzurra, was chasing his fourth Massive Crystal Globe.
Ingemar Stenmark, the Swedish sensation, coached by native hero Hermann Nogler, was on the point of making historical past by successful the general World Cup on the age of 19. He would later go on to take essentially the most world cup wins in historical past and maintain that title till Mikaela Shiffrin lastly overtook his 92 wind 4 many years later.
Franz Klammer, the Austrian powerhouse and essentially the most profitable downhill skier of all time, who was not anticipated to have a lot of an opportunity on the difficult slalom course of the Ronc slope.
All the pieces was set for an epic battle, and the result got here right down to a last-minute showdown: The 2 rivals and favourites for the general World Cup title, Thöni and Stenmark, confronted off in a dramatic final race, that may resolve who would take dwelling the distinguished Crystal Globe.
A showdown for the ages unfolded on the legendary Ronc slope, with 40,000 passionate followers in Val Gardena and hundreds of thousands extra watching on tv, witnessing sports activities historical past. Ultimately, it was Gustav Thöni who triumphed over the younger Swedish sensation, securing his fourth Massive Crystal Globe.
Now, 50 years later, the story comes full circle. On August 28, 2025, at 5:30 PM, Gustav Thöni and Ingemar Stenmark will reunite on stage on the “Luis Trenker” Cultural Heart in Ortisei, Val Gardena — facet by facet — to look again on that unforgettable race – sharing reminiscences, feelings and uncommon insights into one of the crucial historic moments in alpine snowboarding.
The night will probably be hosted by two journalists: Leo Senoner, editor at Rai Ladinia, and Lorenzo Fabiano, creator of the guide “Thoeni vs Stenmark, l’ultima porta” and the documentary “La Valanga Azzurra”, directed by Giovanni Veronesi.
Pic of Thöni and Stenmark CREDIT Saslong Traditional Membership
