Timo: You've already mentioned that your home region is the Arlberg, because you have a special closeness to it not only because of the distance, but also in a certain way emotionally. Nevertheless, you've already traveled a lot, if only because of the tour. Is there another special or favorite place for you?
Valle: If you stay in Tyrol, then it's the Arlberg. There are also some cool ski resorts around Innsbruck. Of the Freeride World Tour stops, I have to say Val Thorens, i.e. France, the new stop, really impressed me. The terrain there is mega. Super awesome for freeriding.
Timo: Great conditions in Val Thorens, right?
Valle: Yes, totally! But also just the shape of the mountains, the terrain, the terrain - that really got me... I haven't seen anything like it that often. And Georgia, Georgia is also really cool.
Timo: What do you find special here in Georgia in general?
Valle: It's definitely the most remote spot. So where you have to change a few things. Everything works a little differently here.
Timo: I'm surprised that you have electricity anyway. We've been sitting in the dark for the last two or three hours.
(both laugh)
Valle: Yeah, that's what I mean. It's not like it is at home. Canada, Spain, these are all countries that are similar to home. And then when you come to Georgia, you're like, boah, things are a bit different there. So in a positive sense.
First of all, the journey is a big act, I would say. And the mountains here are huge and massive. There is so much exciting and partly relaxed terrain, but then there are still only two small ski resorts.
In our area, there would be a ski resort on every mountain. But it's different here - you can see so many mountains from the ski area that seem accessible, but at the same time are a long way off. That's what makes the whole thing so exciting!
Timo: Last question, then I'll let you finish your pool match (laughs). You mentioned your studies and talked a lot about skiing. Where do you see yourself in five years? What goals are you pursuing on skis?
Valle: Well, apart from skiing, I'm definitely going to finish my studies. I haven't set myself a deadline now because it's no use. As long as I'm a professional freerider, it makes no difference whether I've finished my studies or not. So I'm doing it on the side, but of course I want to get it done.
And on skis: Next year, the World Champs will take place for the first time, and I definitely want to ride there. That's a goal that I've already qualified for thanks to the results from the first three stops on the World Tour. Then, of course, to continue riding competitions, because I just really enjoy it.
And regardless of the competitions: Definitely get a big movie project off the ground in the next few years. That's the one thing I really want to tick off. I hope that will happen in the next year or two.
Timo: Do you already have any ideas? Or a favorite?
Valle: There are plenty of ideas. And yes, I do have a favorite, but let's see what will be implemented in the end.
Timo: Okay, yeah cool - thanks for your time and openness. That's it from me and you can prove your skills at billiards.
After the men's skiers - and Valle - were not allowed to compete at the last stop in Fieberbrunn, the excitement before the final at the legendary Bec des Rosses was all the greater. Everyone was keen to deliver a strong performance.
The stakes were particularly high for Valle, because despite his crash in Georgia, he was still within striking distance of overall leader Marcus Goguen. The second world championship title was within his grasp, so he went "all in". But at the end of his spectacular run, he crashed while attempting a Cork 720° - a spectacular end to a highly exciting competition.
