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'The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams' (Eleanor Roosevelt).

Following his fantastic achievement in winning the Super Combined in Val d'Isere, Didier Defago spoke in Val Gardena of his disappointment in being disqualified.  Defago was guilty of having his ski being too high from base to top of the plate.  Despite protests and intense measuring by FIS, the Swiss Team and Rossignol, FIS have decreed that there is no appeal process for such a disqualification.  As a result, Defago has now drawn a line under the whole saga.  "While I do not agree with the decision, I accept it and will now get on with racing," Defago said at a press conference after the first training run in Val Gardena. 

Immediately after the race Rossignol held a press conference in Val d'Isere and accepted the fault was theirs but put in place a 'no blame' policy, thus exonerating publicly the serviceman responsible for Defago's skis.

Defago spoke very professionally and with it being three days after the event was happy that he still has a good feeling on his skis.  When asked by Channel 4 what he felt about the decision, Defago felt that the decision was a bit harsh as it was just a small amount and that maybe it was temperature problems that had caused this.  Defago now has admitted that he wants to concentrate on the future and especially the Olympics.  For him the matter is closed.  While he understands the situation he does not agree with it.  .35mm over the limit had cost him not only 100 World Cup Points, €23,500 in prize money but most importantly the draught for the Swiss Men's team goes on....

Michael Walchhofer, winner by default admitted afterwards that he did not like winning a World Cup race in this fashion!

You can watch the complete interview with Didier Defago on Channel 4 on Sunday 18 December