Ester Ledecká Awaits Zauchensee Races Amidst Weather Concerns
Ester Ledecká is preparing to compete in the World Cup races in Zauchensee, Austria, scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, January 10th and 11th, 2026. The Czech skier recently opted to continue using the skis she’s been refining, following a slower start to the season.She demonstrated improving form at the pre-christmas races in Val d’Isère, France, finishing sixth in the downhill and ninth in the super-G.
Ledecká now hopes the Zauchensee races will proceed as planned, despite challenging weather conditions. Thursday’s initial training run was affected by strong winds, forcing a lowered start and a shortened course lasting approximately 80 seconds.Repeated postponements also impacted the session. Ledecká achieved the 27th fastest time, with Germany’s Kira weidle-Winkelmann setting the pace.
Further snowfall overnight complicated matters, with organizers unable to clear the Kälberloch slope sufficiently. Consequently, a second training run was cancelled, but officials were relieved that at least one practice session had been completed – a prerequisite for holding the races.
The downhill race is scheduled for Saturday at 11:30 AM local time, with the super-G planned for Sunday at noon. However, the forecast predicts further heavy snowfall overnight from Saturday to Sunday, raising concerns about potential disruptions.