Patrick Holzer (ITA)

DOB:  03/23/1970  Hometown:  Sesto Pusteria

Patrick Holzer, a veteran in the Italian ski team, is competing in his 10th World Cup season this winter. At 28, his career is on the rebound. The giant slalom specialist surprised everyone but himself with a solid victory at Kranjska Gora. Holzer, from Sesto Pusteria, in Alto Adige, had to wait more than eight years for this glorious moment — his only earlier win was in January '92 when he beat World Cup leader Paul Accola in a super G at Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

A series of injuries and health problems have kept Holzer from being one of the World Cup elite. His fourth place in a giant slalom in March '97 during the World Cup Finals at Vail boosted his morale, and increased training helped him back to the top. Holzer also changed ski equipment and mastered a new giant slalom technique introduced by the Austrian team. As his results improved, Holzer became more confident and more determined, and he started taking more risks. He was hoping for a medal at the Vail Worlds, but to his disadvantage, he had a high start number after showing up late to the bib draw. He was able to do no better than sixth, but at least he finished — a problem in past races.

A member of the Carabinieri police force, Patrick Holzer lives with his parents in Sesto Pusteria. His fan club is one of the most colorful on the tour and always gives him loud and raucous support.

— Patrick Lang, MountainZone.com World Cup Correspondent