Aubert to form independent team, signs with atomic

According to a report on the FIS Alpine website, French slalom specialist Sandrine Aubert announced last Saturday that she will build up her own private support team for at least the 2010-2011 season. The move, similar to Bode Miller’s formation of his own Team America from 2007-2009, was sought by Aubert to allow her more independence from the French national team.

The FFS (French Federation of Skiing) has given the 27-year-old, four-time World Cup winner the green light to operate the team, though she will officially remain a member of the French team.

Sam Tissot, her partner and trainer on skis, will play a leading role in this arrangement, supported by Mario Cordoano, a physiotherapist who is responsible for the physical preparation at Annecy. The budget to run the team is estimated at € 165,000, that she will finance with the help of her sponsors and prize money earnings.

The report also stated that Aubert has agreed to a two-year deal with Atomic Skis. She was previously on Fischer equipment.

Image by GEPA