The Herminator’s analysis: Only 2 medal candidates in the ÖSV team

Hermann Maier commented on the crisis facing the ÖSV men’s team in Kitzbühel and sees the poor starting position as a World Cup opportunity.

The hype around Ski legend Hermann Maier (52) was bigger in Kitzbühel than the crowd around the ÖSV downhill skiers. And that basically says everything about him Condition of the Austrian men’s team a good two weeks before the home World Cup.

Whether he doesn’t, given the ski crisis maybe a comeback The “Herminator” was asked in the Audi talk. “Why should I?” was the counter question. “The only argument would be that we no longer have any drivers. Unfortunately that is the case.”

Hermann Maier talks about…

• the status quo of the Austrian men’s team

“Of course the ÖSV is relying on few people at the moment. This started back in 2015 when the card was placed on too few people. If you have an outstanding athlete, you should train with them. This pulls the others along when they can orientate themselves on the best. That went away from 2015, and that’s why a certain amount of stock is missing.”

• the quality of the ÖSV downhill team

“The races all took place under good conditions and in great conditions this winter. You can’t have that much bad luck. The numbers prove it anyway. You have to admit that for some athletes it would be a coincidence if they were to finish in the top five.”

• the World Cup in Saalbach-Hinterglemm

“The World Cup is definitely a huge opportunity because in the end the expectations are now very low. In my time, a silver medal at the 2001 World Championships in St. Anton was actually a disappointment. There’s not really any pressure at this World Cup.”

• the medal chances of the ÖSV men

“Logically Manuel Feller, he drives fast. The World Cup is over for him, so things can really work out for him at the World Cup. In the fast disciplines Kriechmayr, who was on the podium twice, is now injured. Otherwise you have to say clearly: Anyone else would be a surprise.”

• the new generation of skiers around Stefan Eichberger

“He surprised me positively; his stature alone means he brings a lot to the table. At Beaver Creek he was still a no name and drove excellently and seemed very carefree. But if you put yourself in the spotlight a little bit in Austria, then it becomes a little more difficult for one or two athletes.”

• the reasons for the crisis

“Unfortunately, many young people and students are already missing out due to injuries. The body simply cannot handle what the material demands today. Sometimes people lose interest and throw in the towel. And now we are where we are. People are now wondering what could be done better. You probably have to take your own path so that you can get back to the forefront in the long future. And I’m not even talking about the next few years.”

• the many serious falls and injuries in the World Cup

“I was also put off as a child. Klaus Gattermann (note: a German downhill skier) flew upside down at the Hausbergkante in Kitzbühel and I thought to myself: For God’s sake. There have been a lot of falls in the past. Of course it is tragic, but you will never be able to prevent the falls. A descent is not a computer game.”

• Austria’s reputation as a ski nation

“When I look at the tourism figures, we are definitely a ski nation. Many come to us from other countries. But our own people don’t ski as much as they used to. When was the last top runner from Kitzbühel? In tourism hotspots today, people ask themselves the question: Why should I even bother with this? If you then consider the effort and the risk of injury – you can have a nicer weekend.”

• the Swiss superstar Marco Odermatt

“The way he presents himself, there will be no way around him in Kitzbühel. I believe he will win both races. And now he’s running out of opponents because he’s caught so many good runners.”

• his own sporting activities

“I often go cross-country skiing, ski touring of course, and cycling in the summer. And my great passion now is kitesurfing.”