Christof Innerhofer: “Then they asked me: Are you crazy?”

Christof Innerhofer, not all ski professionals are fans of glacier training. How does it look for you?

Innerhofer: “I’ve been a fan of it since I worked in construction for two years as a young boy.”

What do you mean?

“As a child, I didn't enjoy going to the glacier in the summer while all my friends were in swimming pools. But when I worked in construction, people appreciated it much more when they were allowed to train in the summer.”

Last season wasn't an easy one for you. After the cruciate ligament tear, you tried to make a comeback several times, but it didn't really work out.

“I'm a little happy and a little sad when I look back on last season. Sad because I couldn't race all winter. That would have been my wish after I tore my cruciate ligament in spring 2019, but it remained a dream. On the other hand, I'm also happy because I was always one of the fastest in training. That makes me confident for next year.”

Innerhofer always completes numerous kilometers on his bike in preparation for the season. © Instagram

They have repeatedly emphasized that they want to continue until the 2026 Olympic Games. Did the injury change that?

"No. I want to ride as long as I enjoy it and feel young. I'm still very motivated and even at 35 years old I don't feel that things are going downhill. Plus, I just enjoy training too much. During the quarantine period, I did 120 hours of endurance training between touring skis and home cycling. There have been times when I spent three and a half hours a day on the ergobike. My colleagues have already asked me: Yes, are you crazy (laughs).”

“I used to enjoy being in public, at events and fashion shows. Now I generally prefer to be at home.” The look into the future is therefore promising. Let's take a look at the past: How has Christof Innerhofer changed in recent years?

“I think I haven’t changed much on the slopes. I still have the same passion, drive, ambition and goals. I’ve developed a lot technically over the years.”

And what about Christof off the piste?

“I became quite different then. I used to love being in public, going to events, fashion shows and so on. I still like to do that from time to time, but generally I prefer to be at home. For example, if I had to choose between going to a village festival or watching the sunset on the mountain, I would choose the latter.”

Gaiser is very interested in economics. Here he is reading a book by the expert Warren Buffet. © Instagram

You repeatedly emphasize that the economy and the stock market play a very important role in your life. Which branches do you trust?

“Economy is a great passion of mine that is only growing. Being interested in this helps a lot with general knowledge. I believe in the future. I am an optimist and say that the economy will always grow in the long term.”

“Investing in sport has been a luxury for companies in recent years, which is now no longer affordable for many.” So you're a risk-taker?

“On the slopes, but not otherwise. I'm not one to invest in trends. I invest in the sustainable things that have pricing power. Mostly in areas and companies that existed 30 years ago and will still exist in 30 years.”

How great is the financial damage that the Corona crisis has left in the ski circus?

“A lot will definitely change financially for us. At the moment, many companies have slowed down. Companies will now say: I will leave out what I don't need to survive. Investing in sports has been a luxury in recent years that is now no longer affordable for many. We will definitely feel that.”

Questions: Thomas Debelyak

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Christof Innerhofer: “Then they asked me: Are you crazy?”

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