Auner achieved his first World Cup success with a clear final victory over his roommate Karl. “It’s really cool to be in the grand finale and then to win,” said the Styrian (24) in an interview with ORF. “It has already become apparent,” said his experienced friend Karl. “We were training here last week and he took one to one and a half seconds off us with every run. The win is more than deserved, ”said Karl.
Auner narrowly defeated Canadian Arnaud Gaudet in the quarterfinals and Mathies in the semifinals. Karl had prevailed against Payer, who was just ahead of Mathies in the race for third place. Five Austrians had made it to the quarter-finals, in which only Andreas Prommegger was eliminated. The veteran, who had won the only previous PLS this season, had to admit defeat to Payer.
