Florian Schieder: How his life has changed

Florian Schieder, has life changed after second place in Kitzbühel?

Yes, it has already changed. I had a lot of appointments, especially in spring. But then it became quieter. In the summer it was as usual again. But more people recognize me now, less in Italy and more in Austria, where skiing has a completely different status.

Do you often think about that day in Kitzbühel that changed everything?

Yes, because everything really changed that day. If you finish on the podium in this race, your popularity will increase quickly, because Kitzbühel is Kitzbühel. Everything was easier for me after that, I was suddenly able to start in the top group. And it also made me more confident. Mattia Casse was always far ahead during training in Chile, but that didn't give me pause. When I decided to really accelerate on a ride, I was there. There is a self-confidence that I have now, especially on the descent. I know that it's fine if I'm healthy and fit. It's not like that in Super-G.

But even without this Kitzbühel highlight it would have been a good comeback after such a serious injury?

That's correct. I consistently finished in the points. In Kitzbühel I would have been happy with a top 20 placement because then I would have been in the top 30 on the start list.

At the World Championships you led for a long time in the downhill. Was there any hope of a medal at some point?

I had start number 1, and when I turned off at the finish, I was sure that I would have to give up my place in the leader box after the next runner because I had made a mistake. But then the runners behind me also made mistakes, and when Vincent Kriechmayr was also behind me, I was a little hopeful. But there were still a few faster.

Florian Schieder also cuts a fine figure off the piste. © APA / EXPA/JOHANN GRODER

Did you hesitate about the start number because the slopes became a little faster later?

No, just the opposite. I wanted this number because then you don't have to wait so long at the start. Christof Innerhofer said that I would have won the medal with a higher number. But I'm sure it was the mistake that cost me the medal and not the start number.

Why hasn't things gone that way in Super-G yet?

On the descent I have the advantage of being able to build up confidence during the training runs. In Super-G, when there are difficult passages and you have to take full risks, I'm still hesitant. I still lack the determination that it takes in the Super-G. I'm not driving badly, I won the European Cup, but there's still something missing.

Does your knee no longer cause you any problems?

I did a lot of athletic training in the summer and only skied for the first time shortly before leaving for Chile. I was in a lot of pain at the beginning and thought to myself: Oops, what's going on now? But I'm always in touch with the doctor and he reassured me and said the knee needed to get used to skiing again. Now I don't have any problems anymore, but I still go to Dr. often. Finch to check.

Florian Schieder caused a sensation with his 2nd place in Kitzbühel.

How did the training in Chile go?

It wasn't ideal, we were a bit unlucky with the weather. But you just don't know that in May when you're planning the trip.

Have you set any goals for the new season?

I haven't set myself a specific goal for the season, but of course I want to stay in the top starting group, and that requires top ten places. And getting on the podium again would be nice too.

Is the Streif your favorite slope?

I've always enjoyed skiing on the Streif, but there isn't a piste that I don't like skiing on. I am very pleased that Kvitfjell is racing again. And one of my favorite slopes is Beaver Creek. I actually did my best race there last year. Although the snow was getting heavier and the conditions were getting worse and it was no longer possible to set a good time with start number 53, I came 25th.

The coaching team for the downhill skiers was reduced in size. What do you think?

We have 3 runners in the top ten of the World Cup start list in the downhill. This has never happened before. And then they cut us two coaches. That's disappointing and also difficult for the trainers, because only 2 trainers on the descent is simply not enough if you want to compete with the best.

What did you do when you weren't training?

After the season I was on vacation in Fuerteventura. I just relaxed there. Otherwise I helped at home on the Seiser Alm, there is always a lot to do there. And I've started remodeling an apartment that I want to move into soon.

What is your favorite hobby?

This is the band, where I play the trombone.

What do you expect from your teammates?

I'm very excited about Mattia Casse. And Dominik Paris will be very strong again, I can see him quite well. For Christof Innerhofer, a lot will depend on how the first races go. Things don't look so good behind that anymore. There is little coming from South Tyrol in particular. In the past there were almost only South Tyroleans in the downhill team.

What is the reason? I think there's probably not enough downhill training among youngsters. This year at the Italian Championships, no runner from the South Tyrolean state team took part in the downhill. We used to take buses to the Italian Championships, there were so many of us.

Facts about the person Name: Florian Schieder Date and place of birth: December 26, 1995 in Bolzano Location: Castelrotto Sports group: Carabinieri

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Florian Schieder: How his life has changed

He was the South Tyrolean climber of the last ski season: Florian Schieder. The Castelrotto native told us here how he experienced it all and what he expects from the new season.

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