INTERVIEW
Back from injury you had some great top 10 position for your first season with Salomon : How do you feel with your new skis ? Physically ? In terms of confidence for the next season ?
I felt perfect with these new skis the first time I was on snow. They are very fast but always easy to control. That was my dream, for a perfect ski, and Salomon gave it to me.
Physically, I am on my way to being stronger than I was. I have a very good feeling for next season because last season I was occasionally very fast but after my injury, my physical shape was poor. So if I have enough power I should be one or two seconds faster than last season.
What about the strong competition and qualifications inside the Austrian team ?
The qualifications for the team are always very hard, but my goal for the next big events is to ski strong and fix a place in the team for the next world championships or Olympic Games. I see the strong competition in our team and it is very positive because everyone is very motivated and that pushes us up to a very high level.
How does the work of the Salomon gliding & testing team help you to find the best skis?
First, I would like to say thank you to the guys who work on the test team. Last summer, it was very important for me to have a test team because after my injury I did not have the time to test all the skis to find out which one is the fastest. The guys also help us with their experience and know how.
Your Dreams & goals for the coming season and the future?
My goals for the coming season are to be in the Downhill World Cup top 10 and to win my first race. For the future, it is to win the gold medal in the Downhill in Vancouver 2010.
Skiing
Your First skiing memories?
I started skiing at the age of three and I participated in my first competition at the age of six.
Your Key figures?
I think my father because he taught me to ski and he was also my first coach.
Your favourite downhill run or competition on the men’s circuit?
Garmisch, Val d`Isere, Bormio
Your injuries and come back ?
Life
Your Holidays?
I spend my holidays at home with my family, because I spend a lot of my time travelling to races or training.
Your home?
I live in Öblarn in Styria; it’s a very small village near Schladming.
Your Other interests?
My hobbies are riding motocross or trial and playing paintball with my friends.
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