Sam Maes / GEPA pictures
Belgian giant slalom standout Sam Maes has joined the Stifel U.S. Ski Team’s men’s technical training group as he prepares for the 2026-27 World Cup season.
The 28-year-old needed a new training arrangement following the dissolution of the Global Racing Ski Team, where he had trained since the 2018-19 season. He found a familiar connection with the U.S. team through Paul Epstein, the new head coach of the American men’s slalom and giant slalom group.
Epstein founded the Global Racing Ski Team and served as its longtime head coach.
“Sam will be training with us for the entire season,” Epstein said. “It’s a great collaboration for both sides.”
Maes is equally enthusiastic about the arrangement.
“I’m having a lot of fun with the guys, and the level of professionalism has increased significantly,” Maes told skinews.ch. “The individualized training, in particular, has made me eager for more.”
Maes is currently training in New Zealand with River Radamus, Cooper Puckett, Bridger Gile and other members of the U.S. technical group. Conditions have generally been favorable, although heavy rain disrupted training during the past two days.
A Strong Giant Slalom Partnership
The arrangement gives Maes access to a strong American training group while providing the Stifel U.S. Ski Team with another proven World Cup benchmark.
Radamus finished 10th in the 2025-26 World Cup giant slalom standings, while Maes ranked 12th. Training together should benefit both athletes as they prepare to challenge the world’s best during the coming season.
Maes will also provide the Americans with an additional training reference in slalom.
Although Belgium is not traditionally considered an Alpine ski racing power, Maes has established himself among the world’s leading giant slalom skiers. His results have kept him inside the discipline’s top 30 for several seasons.
Before joining the Americans in New Zealand, Maes spent several days training with Loïc Meillard and members of the Swiss team.
The U.S. Speed Suit Gets Attention
Photos of Maes training in a U.S. speed suit prompted questions on social media. However, the wardrobe choice was intentional and not the result of luggage problems during his trip to New Zealand.
“I thought I’d stir things up a bit online and use this to showcase my partnership with the U.S. ski team,” Maes said. “But don’t worry: I’m still competing for Belgium.”
Familiar Support Continues
Maes will continue working with his longtime ski technician, Miha Kosmač, and his physiotherapist, although the physiotherapist is not currently with him in New Zealand.
His father, Dirk Maes, has also joined the extended support group. A businessman and hotelier based in Zell am See, Austria, Dirk previously served as the Global Racing Ski Team’s cook during its New Zealand training camps. He is now filling the same role for the American group.
For Maes, the arrangement offers continuity following the loss of the team that supported him for much of his World Cup career. For the Stifel U.S. Ski Team, it adds another accomplished athlete to an already competitive technical training environment.
Click on image to visit Sam’s Instagram page
About the Author: Peter Gerber Plech
