Locational disadvantage weighs on German skiers

No camps in the southern hemisphere, flexible trips through Europe, intensive coordination with other nations: for the team around Thomas Dreßen and Viktoria Rebensburg, the main thing in the next few months is to come to terms. “Of course we’re used to something different,” says downhill skier Josef Ferstl German press agency . But he doesn't want to argue for long and emphasizes: “We have to get the best out of it now. It could be worse and we won't be allowed to ski at all." German Alpine boss Wolfgang Maier sees it the same way: "In such a situation you can wear yourself out or just say, we'll tackle it now, we'll adapt and get the most out of it out of the situation.” DSV demands races with fans The German Ski Association (DSV) has several challenges to overcome. The first question is whether a World Cup winter will even take place in 2020/21 due to the pandemic. And if so, which races will be held and how many will be canceled - for example due to a ban on spectators. “We are definitely preparing for a winter of racing. We are not moving away from this idea. Otherwise we wouldn’t need to train at all,” Maier clarifies. The next task is to find training facilities. Normally there are fitness or team building measures in the summer; in previous years, Cyprus was flown to for cycling camps. The most important training camps for speed riders took place in Chile, where the DSV and other nations were able to reserve entire slopes in August. However, the training camps in the southern hemisphere were canceled. Alternatively, you can go to glaciers in Europe - depending on snow conditions and weather forecast. In Austria, Switzerland, Norway and the Stelvio Pass in Vinschgau, however, the Germans are the guests and - unlike in distant Chile, for example - they cannot choose the best conditions. Swiss fly up the mountain in a helicopter There is only one adequate summer slope in Zermatt for downhill training in Europe. The Swiss usually secure the ideal training times, the slopes are perfectly prepared for the units, and the Swiss even fly up the mountain in a helicopter. Germans don't have such privileges. “But that’s not a big deal, we’re used to it,” says Maier. “Those are the rules of the game, we know them.” You have to adapt. Already in the spring, when the Austrians and Italians began training on snow, the DSV had to wait until the borders were reopened and they could move into a camp for their teams, including a fully reserved hotel, on the Stilfersjoch glacier. “Everyone has to focus on their four letters and motivate themselves” DSV downhill skier Josef Ferstl “All the Corona restrictions have made it clear once again what a disadvantage we have as a location,” says Maier. Unlike their Nordic skiing colleagues, the Alpine skiers cannot train on snow due to the lack of high mountains and glaciers in this country - the racers sometimes have to travel long distances for their units. But complaining doesn't help, says Kitzbühel winner Ferstl. The father (31) took advantage of the training calendar that was thrown into disarray because of Corona, took a vacation, built a small pool in his garden and called on himself and his colleagues: “Now we athletes are challenged even more. Everyone needs to stick to their four letters and motivate themselves.”

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Locational disadvantage weighs on German skiers

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