The first medals are already being decided in Åre, but for me the World Championships adventure only starts on 9 February, when I travel to Sweden. Given the travel chaos, that probably wasn’t a bad decision.

Åre has a character all of its own, so I want to spend a few days preparing at the training area there before things get serious for me with the team event on 12 February. The race course is closed and nobody is allowed to train on it, but the snow conditions on the training slope are similar, so you get a good feel for the Swedish snow. After the team event I’ll take a day off, then train hard for three days before the slalom on 17 February.

Everything on site is already perfectly organised. We share apartments and have brought our own chef. Good food means lots of energy, and our chef has travelled with us three times already – he knows exactly what we racers need. I have a good feeling about the World Championships in general. The course is rather flat, but nice for carving, and that should suit me. The goal is a medal, of course – at a major event nothing else matters. In the World Cup it’s consistency that counts; at a World Championships it’s just that one performance. You always have to be focused, but hand on heart: at a World Championships you’re more tense, because only the top three count. Especially when you’re standing in the finish waiting, you’re much more nervous than in the World Cup. No wonder – at a championship your form on the day is everything, so surprises are always possible.

So watch live on 12 and 17 February. I can use all your crossed fingers so I can bring some precious metal home for you.

Yours, Michi