Almost a year after his serious fall in the downhill race in Bormio (ITA), in which he tore a cruciate ligament and damaged cartilage in his right knee, as well as another setback due to a slipped disc in the summer, Marco Schwarz has today decided to return to the Ski World Cup next weekend in Val d'Isere (FRA).
"I'm obviously really looking forward to it. A lot has happened in the last few weeks and the last few days when I joined the team were particularly important. I've become more natural and I no longer have to think too much when skiing. That's the most important thing and that's why I feel ready for the slalom on Sunday," said Schwarz.
Schwarz has been back on skis since the end of October and has been able to train with the team again since last week. The last few days of training have given the all-rounder the last important information and security - nothing stands in the way of a start next Sunday: "In the long term, Alta Badia was always my goal and now it is a week earlier. The last few days were decisive and I feel fit and ready for Val d'Isère. I want to ski there freely and am excited to see how that will feel at the start."
However, a participation in the giant slalom is not yet planned for "Blacky".
Manuel Feller is also returning after his injury-related absence in Beaver Creek (USA). Last season's slalom globe winner has reported to head coach Marko Pfeifer that he is fit and will be competing in both the giant slalom and the slalom this weekend.
"In general, I'm feeling very good again, but I can still feel it in some movements. When skiing, however, I feel very stable and confident. A lot has progressed in the last week and the break was definitely the right decision," says Manuel Feller.
Head coach Marko Pfeifer is pleased about the two comebacks: "It is of course great that our technical team is complete again. I am delighted for Marco that he can get back into the World Cup after almost a year. We want to take the first step in the slalom and then slowly improve. I am also confident that Manuel will find his old strength again in Val d'Isère. It is great for the whole team that the two top performers are back."
Austrian Ski team Press release