Austrian Ski Team Celebrates Success After Challenging Season

The Austrian men's speed skiing team has concluded a historically difficult season on a high note, marking a significant turnaround with a remarkable double victory in the Super-G at Sun Valley. Athletes Lukas Feurstein and Raphael Haaser's success provided much-needed relief, averting the embarrassment of a winless season reminiscent of 38 years ago.

Haaser remarked on the team's performance, stating that while their results may not reflect it, they have consistently delivered strong performances throughout the winter. He noted that the team had been overdue for a win, emphasizing the importance of overcoming the small challenges that had previously hindered their success.

Despite the positive outcome of the last speed race of the season, the statistics reveal a mixed performance overall. The team secured six podium finishes in the Super-G throughout the winter, yet they experienced an unprecedented outcome in downhill racing, failing to achieve a single podium spot in the World Cup.

Head coach Marko Pfeifer expressed the emotional toll these disappointing results have had on the team, acknowledging the difficulties faced during the season. However, he celebrated the recent victories, stating that they were a morale booster for both the athletes and the nation. Pfeifer highlighted the team's desire for further achievements as they prepare for the final two technical races of the season.

As the new speed coach, Andreas Evers, prepares to take on the challenges ahead, he faces significant work, particularly regarding the team's struggles with long glide turns. Pfeifer indicated that this issue had been discussed during Evers's recruitment, who brings extensive experience from past successes with the ÖSV, the US ski team, and other national federations.

Pfeifer also admitted that expanding the pool of podium finishers will be a formidable task for Evers. Currently, the team lacks athletes who can consistently compete for top positions, aside from standout competitor Vincent Kriechmayr. He acknowledged the current gap in performance compared to Swiss athletes but remained optimistic about the potential within the team.

Feurstein, who celebrated his first World Cup victory, showcased his promise in technically demanding Super-G events, reinforcing hope for the future. He noted that the long losing streak, which extended to 40 races prior to their recent wins, did not affect him personally. Instead, he focused on executing his strategy and remained dedicated to his goals.