Wins non-stop: The ÖSV is on a high

The 27-year-old is once again the best example of what a liberating effect such a first World Cup victory can have. Since hers Premiere success at the season opener in Sölden drives Julia Scheib completely detachedeven the failure in the first giant slalom in Mont Tremblant couldn’t throw the Styrian off track.

For ÖSV Alpine boss Christian Mitter, the triumph 24 hours later in the second giant slalom is even more important than the first World Cup victory in Sölden. “Mentally it was incredibly strong,” praises Mitter.

Julia Scheib has probably got a taste for it and – despite the loss – is currently presenting herself as the strongest giant slalom player in the world. Ranks 1, 2 and 1 speak volumes.

• How can Stefan Brennsteiner be faster than most stars in giant slalom with a stick?

Because the Salzburger a) has one of the best swings in the World Cup, b) is bursting with self-confidence after his first victory in the World Cup (Copper) and c) in his turbulent career has faced far greater challenges than riding with a stick.

The really amazing thing: Stefan Brennsteiner In the first giant slalom run in Beaver Creek, he lost the least time in the passages in which he was running single-tier.

That after his fourth place he also did this on Saturday in the giant slalom in Val d’Isère World Cup leader’s jersey is allowed to wear is the wages earned.

• What’s going on with Austria’s ski jumpers?

A 6th and an 8th place in the last three World Cup competitions – the ÖSV high-flyers were heard in Ruka and Wisla the wings clipped.

This crash comes as a surprise, after all the Austrians started the season with a triple win a good two weeks ago.

The lull among the Austrians, who are used to success, illustrates how sensitive ski jumping is – and not least the protagonists themselves.

The looseness is missing

“We know that we can ski jump better,” says Head coach Andreas Widhölzlwho organizes special training in Seefeld. “The looseness isn’t there, so people tend to get intellectualized.”

It may be just a coincidence: but the team has been going downhill ever since Stefan Kraft on maternity leave adopted. This underlines the importance of the veteran as an integration figure and stability factor.

• Who is whiz kid Katharina Gruber?

The 17-year-old combined athlete has with her historic first victory in Trondheim even caught her superiors off guard.

Himself ÖSV sports director Mario Stecherworld champion and Olympic champion in Nordic combined, the Upper Austrian was not on the list of winners. “That came as a complete surprise to everyone.”

Katharina Gruber jumped several rungs on the career ladder at once. That can happen in a sport as young as the women’s Nordic combined – especially with a bit of carefree attitude.

“I just did what I always do in training,” says the teenager.

It’s a double shame that the combined athletes aren’t allowed to take part in the Winter Olympics.

• Is boredom reigning again when it comes to the men’s combination?

That’s a matter of opinion. For years, Jarl Magnus Riiber (NOR) had dominated the sport and won one victory after another.

After his resignation, the Austrian in the footsteps of the combined legend and won all four competitions of the season so far.

Hunt for Gottwald

Above all Johannes Lamparter It shouldn’t get boring any time soon: the three-time season winner is now holding on 20 successes in the World Cup and is well on his way to the big one Felix Gottwald (23 wins) as Austria’s number 1.

The The only downside to the ÖSV dominance in the combination: Austria is allowed to field a maximum of three starters at the Winter Olympics – potential medal candidates will have to watch.

• Why was the 6th World Cup victory one of the best in biathlete Lisa-Theresa Hauser’s career?

Because the experienced Tyrolean is one long dry spell full of self-doubt and has already been written off by some.

It was three years Lisa-Theresa Hauser chasing this World Cup victory, “that’s just wonderful,” explained the 31-year-old after her success in the pursuit race in Östersund.

Training with Switzerland

Lisa-Theresa Hauser can now count herself among the illustrious circle of biathletes who have won in all disciplines (individual, sprint, mass start, pursuit).

The Tyrolean’s courageous and costly step – Hauser trains with the Swiss team – has paid off. For the Home World Cup this weekend in Hochfilzen Hauser’s victory was the best advertisement.

• Why does ÖSV Alpine boss Christian Mitter stay in North America?

Because the Styrian does not interpret his responsible work as an office job, but is a man of action.

Christian Mitter Over the next few days in North America, he will personally look after some ÖSV talents who are taking part in races in the NorAm series in order to collect valuable points for the European Cup start list.

High standing

For this idealism, Mitter is highly valued by runners and coaches on the ski team. Quite a few people associate the current run of success with his person, his ideas and the new spirit that the Norwegians’ long-time coach has brought to the team.