ÖSV men’s boss: “If someone misses out, the race won’t go to waste”

The head coach of the Austrian ski men is looking at the technical competitions today (giant slalom, 9.30/13) and on Sunday (slalom) confidently. Marko Pfeifer about…

… the start of the season for the Austrian men “Of course, we are still only at the beginning of this season, but it was our wish and our aim to get off to a good start. We have definitely succeeded in doing that. Especially when I compare it with last season. A start to the season like this is reassuring and also shows that the preparation has been done properly. The success has certainly given the whole team a jolt.

… the performance density in the Austrian men’s team For us coaches, but also for the athletes, it is much more pleasant when we have a broad base and the responsibility does not rest on one runner. Of course it’s great if you have an exceptional athlete or serial winner on your team, but as a coach I prefer it if there are two or three people in each discipline who can compete for a podium. We know: If someone misses out, the race won’t be completely ruined.

… the Riesentorlauf in Val d’Isère A few years ago we still had a hole in the giant slalom. At the moment we are really well positioned with Stefan Brennsteiner, Raphael Haaser and also Marco Schwarz. And I’m expecting a lot from Manuel Feller, especially on the slope in Val d’Isère. He has always done well here and is one of our most important performers. I still have every confidence in him in the giant slalom.

… the team spirit in the ÖSV team The successes inspire the entire team across all groups. That’s why the giant slalom in Sölden was extremely important. We had three people there in the top six and everyone saw that something had changed and we were up there. You feel the positive energy and that things are going in the right direction. Our people drive with a lot of confidence. Now it’s time to stick with it and continue in this key.

… the previous performances in the slalom We know that we sold ourselves a little short in the first two slaloms. There is a lot more to the team.

… the Austrian successes on the side stage in the European Cup with victories and podium places in downhill and slalom It’s important for young runners to push forward. A generational change is imminent, especially in the slalom team. That’s why we have to make sure we don’t fall into a hole in two years.

… the lead in the Nations Cup You can see, especially in Switzerland, how scarce everything is together. They haven’t forgotten how to ski either, but some people are finding it more difficult. But that can change quickly. The density is enormous.