Marko Pfeifer becomes the new racing director of the ÖSV men. The 47-year-old Carinthian, who has looked after Austria's slalom specialists since April 2013 and led them to the top of the world, succeeds Andreas Puelacher. The decision, which had been in the air for several days, was confirmed by the association management and presented to the public today at the World Cup finals in Courchevel, France.
For Pfeifer, who has celebrated numerous successes with his team at the Olympic Games and World Championships as well as in the World Cup in recent years, this is already the second head coach position after leading the Swedish men's team from 2010 to 2013. With this personnel decision, the ÖSV also set the course for the home world championship in 2025 in Saalbach.
VOICES:
Herbert Mandl (Sports Director Alpine Skiing): "I am pleased that we were able to recruit a trainer for this key position, of whose qualities we are absolutely convinced. Marko has done a great job in recent years and has worked very successfully with both experienced and young athletes. He has impressively shown how to develop a team and not only has experience and specialist knowledge, but also brings with him a high level of social skills. In addition, he knows the structures within the ski association and enjoys a high level of recognition among his fellow coaches and in the ski circuit."
Marko Pfeifer (Racing Director ÖSV-Men): "It is a great honor that I can take on such a responsible position and I am pleased that the top management of the association has placed this trust in me. It's a special moment in a coaching career when you're allowed to take on the role of head coach at ÖSV. In the next few days and weeks there will be many discussions with coaches and racers in order to then take the next steps. Next year the World Cup in France is on the agenda, where we want to present ourselves strongly. In the medium term, the home World Championships in Saalbach in 2025 and the Olympic Games in 2026 are the big highlights."
Picture OeSV