Austria selects starters despite training run results

By Published On: November 28th, 2014Comments Off on Austria selects starters despite training run results
Florian Scheiber in Wednesday's downhill training run at Lake Louise. GEPA

Florian Scheiber in Wednesday’s downhill training run at Lake Louise. GEPA

After today’s cancellation of training, Austrian men’s head coach Andreas Puelacher had the results of only one downhill training run to use in his decision of the start roster for Saturday’s World Cup downhill in Lake Louise. Florian Scheiber and Markus Duerager are the final two athletes named who will complete the Austrian squad.

Although Scheiber finished the lone training run in 42nd and Duerager 65th, Puelacher took the soft snow conditions into consideration when making his decision.

“Florian and Markus have starting numbers in the top 30. Under these conditions here in Lake Louise, this is certainly an advantage. For Joachim (Puchner) I’m sorry, but he’ll get his chance,” said Puelacher regarding his decision. 

Puchner was the sixth fastest Austrian in Wednesday’s training run, finishing the course in 39th, but his start number for Saturday’s race would have been pushing the 60s, a position Puelacher does not believe will be beneficial for the team. 

Austrian downhill starters: Matthias Mayer, Hannes Reichelt, Klaus Kroell, Georg Streitberger, Max Franz, Otmar Striedinger, Romed Baumann, Florian Scheiber and Markus Duerager. 

Super G starters: Matthias Mayer, Hannes Reichelt, Romed Baumann, Otmar Striedinger, Georg Streitberger, Vincent Kriechmayr, Patrick Schweiger, Joachim Puchner and Max Franz (one additional starter will be selected after the downhill race).

Release courtesy of the Austrian Ski Federation

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