ALPINE SKI WORLD CUP. Two days prior the men's race at Sljeme, local hero Ivica Kostelic gave a press conference for the local media and commented the up-coming event that he dreams to win before the end of his career. So far, the 2011 Overall World Cup champion reached the podium in four out of the five races here.
 
''The biggest favorites in the next men's slalom on Sljeme are Marcel Hirscher, Alexis Pinturault and Felix Neurether," he said. "Great chances to win also have Andre Myhrer and Jens Byggmark, but icy course on Sljeme might benefit especially Giuliano Razzoli'', said the best Croatian skier Ivica Kostelić ahead of men's slalom on Sunday.
 
''Between the race in Madonna di Campiglio and the City Event in Munich I was spending my time between Zagreb and Innerkrems. Because of the situation with my knee, I had more frequent breaks, but I trained well. Two days ago I received an injection into the knee, and the situation is now quite well'', also said Ivica.
 
A longer pause at this point is not an option for him, because until the end of this season his goal is to stay in the highest ranking group of slalom, break into the highest ranking group of the giant slalom and get into the top-30 in the Super-G.
 
Ivica always feels great on Sljeme, because this is a special race for all Croatian skiers. ''Sljeme race definitely has a future after the end of my career, it has established itself as one of the best races of the World Cup, that's why I look with optimism to its future. Ski racing has become an established sport in Croatia, the Croatians had the opportunity to experience the World Cup first hand here on Sljeme, I believe it is a guarantee that the crowd will continue coming to Sljeme races.''
 
Regarding his future, Ivica's goal is to ski for two seasons more, in all disciplines, because that gives him more pleasure than performing in the same discipline all the time.

''After this season ends I'll have to make some decisions about my future, because the current situation allows me to ski with only 70 to 80 percent of my abilities, and in this state I can not compete with others, who give over 100 percent. My goal in the next season, since it's the Olympics season, is to reach 100 percent of my potential."
 
When asked what he would do if he had to choose between winning the Olympic gold and winning on Sljeme, Ivica answered: ''Olympic Gold.''
 
Martina Pintarić
Vip Snow Queen Trophy

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