Five years ago, a remarkable sports career came to an end—that of Peter Fill, a former alpine skier from South Tyrol and now coach of the Italian National Giant Slalom team. After 355 World Cup appearances, Peter Fill bid farewell to alpine skiing at the end of 2019 in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, the stage of one of his most emotional successes: the bronze medal in the super combined at the 2011 World Championships. His impressive career also includes three World Cup titles: two in downhill (2016, as the first Italian in history, and a repeat in 2017) and one in alpine combined (2018). Today, Peter Fill still carries the same passion for skiing, now accompanied by his love for cycling.
Photo Credit: kandk.bz
What's your memory of your first time on a bicycle?
I was in front of my house, trying to get used to a motion different from skiing. The saying "It's like riding a bike" isn’t just a saying—it really took no time to regain those feelings, and then nothing could stop me!
What was your first road bike?
A De Rosa IDOL in pink and white. I've always ridden De Rosa bikes and had the chance to try many different models. Currently, I ride a King, which I enjoy a lot.
What do your friends think of you?
I've never asked them because I think it stems from a slight insecurity. I live my life accepting myself as I am and working every day on what I can improve.
What's your greatest passion?
Sports, especially those involving the mountains. I started skiing at the age of three because I was born in Bressanone, a place where winter offers so many activities, from hiking to snowshoeing and, of course, lots of skiing. The Isarco Valley is a unique opportunity to experience the silence and beauty of snow-covered mountains, with a special view of the Dolomites.
Who is your favorite cyclist?
I don't have one in particular, but I really enjoy cycling. It was always part of my training when I was an athlete, and now I practice it to stay fit.
Where do you usually train when you go cycling?
At home, on the Alpe di Siusi, where I know every climb and descent. I love testing myself on the mountains where I was born, seeing if I can gradually improve my sprint, endurance, and speed.
You were a major figure in skiing: what was your greatest victory?
Definitely the downhill race in Kitzbühel, which I won in 2016. It's the most important and challenging race on the white circuit.
Who was the strongest teammate you've ever had?
I spent 18 years in the World Cup and had many strong teammates. But the strongest were Kristian Ghedina and Dominik Paris.
Five years after retiring, do you still get recognized?
It depends a bit on where I am, but every time someone stops me for a photo, it makes me really happy. It means I did something important in my sport.
Photo Credit: GEPA-pictures.com
