Norwegian super star Aksel Lund Svindal and Italian speed racer Werner Heel have joined the Head fold and will utilize Head skis, boots and bindings next season.

Race Director Rainer Salzgeber said Aksel and Werner would joining Bode Miller, the freshly resigned Didier Cuche, Maria Riesch and Lindsey Vonn as leaders of the Head team.

Svindal had been with Atomic and Heel with Rossignol.

Although Heel reported he accepted the contract after a single day of testing Svindal’s approach was more time consuming. “I’ve used most of my time and energy these last three weeks gathering as much info as I possibly could before making my decision,” said two-time overall World Cup champion Svindal. “My ski company is my most important partner, and I wanted to be sure I made the right choice no matter what direction I went. I’m now sure that I have.” He said the results of skiers like Miller, Cuche, Riesch and Vonn proved that Head equipment is fast and said he was “really excited,” to be making the switch.

Heel said he was hugely motivated after making the swap. “The professional and personable team made my decision easy and I am very much looking forward to working with them.”

“Werner is an excellent racer with huge potential,” said Salzgeber. “He is a nice guy and a great ski racer. … We’re looking forward to great cooperation.”

In terms of headlines Svindal is the larger score. He has 13 World Cup wins, two overall titles and four discipline titles. He is a triple World Champion and won a medal of each color at the 2010 Olympics.

“Aksel is an outstandingly positive person and a great professional,” Salzgeber said. “I am absolutely sure that he will be a great addition to, and motivator for, our entire team.”

GEPA photo