ÖSV News: Interview with Andreas Puelacher
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After the last races in Kranjska Gora (SLO) were canceled, the men’s World Cup season ended prematurely. The sporting director of the ÖSV men, Andreas Puelacher, looks back.
After the World Cup final in Cortina (ITA) had to be canceled due to the Corona virus, the races in Slovenia’s Kranjska Gora were also canceled on Thursday. The men’s World Cup season, like that of the women, ended prematurely. For the ÖSV it was a Ski World Cup season with many ups and downs. Ski Austria spoke to the sporting director, Andreas Puelacher, about the highlights, the Nations Cup and plans for the coming season.
Andreas, the cancellation of the races in Kranjska Gora took a little longer. Was it understandable for you?
“The cancellation was clearly understandable. If you look at the developments around it, it’s a dramatic story. We were completely focused until the end and prepared as for every World Cup race. It was the right decision for me and also for the athletes. ”
The overall World Cup victory goes to Aleksandar Aamodt Kilde from Norway. What do you say?
“A deserved overall World Cup winner, he has consistently scored well across four disciplines and has driven a high level. I also think it’s good that it has become a downhill runner. This shows that you can also win an overall World Cup as a speed driver. Matthias Mayer was among the leaders for a long time, but unfortunately the illness got in his way. Nevertheless, he drove a very good and constant season. “
Marco Schwarz came back very well after his cruciate ligament injury. How do you rate his performance?
“Marco was a real highlight for me because he returned to the World Cup really quickly and also achieved podiums. We approached it very carefully and it turned out to be correct. For the future, Marco is sure to be someone who can claim podiums and victories. ”
How satisfied were you with the season in general?
“You have to look at it individually. I was very satisfied with the top people in the speed sector, such as Mayer and Kriechmayr. Victories and podiums have been won. Marco Schwarz also had a very good season. Unfortunately we also had a few people who did not reach their normal shape. You have to see what is going on now. “
Have you already found reasons why things didn’t work out so well for one or the other?
“On the one hand, injuries were the problem, for example with Manuel Feller. Others simply did not get in shape or often did not choose the right material. With these people you have to analyze the whole thing carefully and react to it in the new preparation. ”
What were your highlights this season?
“Clearly the home races in Kitzbühel and Hinterstoder. In Kitz we were on the podium four times and Matthias’ downhill victory. Vinc’s victory in Hinterstoder too, of course. These were the big highlights of our season. “
What else did you notice positively?
“Some people were pleasantly surprised, Adrian Pertl is particularly noteworthy. He came from the European Cup, quickly established himself in the World Cup with high start numbers and is now among the top 30. The development of Fabio Gstrein, who performed very well, is just as gratifying. Of course, one must not forget Raphael Haaser, who scored points in his first World Cup race. We have some young people pushing forward. ”
Where there is light, there is shadow. The ÖSV did not get a crystal ball this year. Where do you see the reasons?
“Unfortunately we just barely failed in the Super-G. We were good, but unfortunately too inconsistent. A few dropouts in the speed range cost us the balls. In the technical area, we are simply not ready to fight for the ball. We want to do that next year. “
Is the nation ranking an issue?
“Sure, that’s an issue. We are only fourth in the men’s category this year, which is not satisfactory. From the podium we are the same as last year, if you count Marcel away, but the second guard should have scored more points. Unfortunately, we didn’t succeed. Congratulations to Switzerland, they did it well. “
The preparation for the new season begins for you. What is the plan?
“By canceling all races we have more time to prepare and we have to use that now. It starts with analyzes and ski tests. We still want to use the winter in Austria and have to find ski areas where we can find good conditions on the one hand and are safe because of the Corona virus on the other. ”
Thank you for the talk.
Source: OESV.at
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