Worlds profiles: Fischbacher finds speed on two wheels, too

Austrian Andrea Fischbacher had six World Cup podiums before she became the 2009 world championship bronze medalist in super G in Val d’Isere. A speed specialist who also knows how to negotiate giant slalom gates, race courses are not the only places the 23-year-old likes to go fast. In downhill training, Fischbacher talked about how in the summer time, she reaches speeds of 160 kmph on her motorcycle.
Austrian Andrea Fischbacher had six World Cup podiums before she became the 2009 world championship bronze medalist in super G in Val d’Isere. A speed specialist who also knows how to negotiate giant slalom gates, race courses are not the only places the 23-year-old likes to go fast. In downhill training, Fischbacher talked about how in the summer time, she reaches speeds of 160 kmph on her motorcycle. 

What’s the first thing you do after a race?

When i finish, I look at the time. Most times, I go to the hotel and eat something. Then up in the room, I just relax a bit.

Are there any super foods you eat before a race?

Most of the time, I’m a little anxious. Breakfast is always the same – a little bit of muesli with yogurt and coffee or bread with ham.

Do you have any kind of ritual before you start a race?

I try to calm down and breathe deep, then go up to the gate.

What other activities do you do when you’re not ski racing?

I drive my motorbike. I have an Enduro machine and another bike. I don’t drive on courses or jump, just up hills and around. This is very relaxing to me. It’s just a feeling of [being] free.

Do you have any rules to live by?

I’m a little bit of a stand-up person. When I fall down, it’s time to get up again.