Aleksander Aamodt Kilde to miss slalom leg of men’s combined at Alpine Skiing World Championships

Aleksander Aamodt Kilde has opted not to compete in the slalom leg of the men’s combined at the Alpine Skiing World Championships.

Following his super-G run, the Norwegian star revealed he was suffering from pain in his hand and would not risk further injury on the opening day of competition.

“It just didn’t work with my hand. It was painful, and it makes no sense when it is the first competition in the World Championships.”

His morning run was seventh fastest overall, 1’05” shy of Alexis Pinturault, who topped the table after the speed leg.

Kilde, who arrived at the competition tipped for medal glory after an impressive season so far, will be keeping his powder dry for the Super-G and downhill events in the coming days.

Chasing a first ever World Championships gold, the 30-year-old is hoping his hand issue doesn’t impact him going forwards.

“At least, I don’t think it will,” he admitted. “Today it was about daring to drive cleaner than I did. I know I can. Then I have to give more gas. I also know that I can.”

The Super-G takes place on Thursday 9 and the downhill on Sunday 12.

Kilde has seven World Cup wins so far this season and sits second in the overall standings behind rival Marco Odermatt after 28 races.

He leads the downhill standings, and is again second behind Odermatt in the Super-G charts.

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