Head Coach Mario Fuchs and his assistant Simon Glatthard have taken over responsibilities to put a the old complexion of fame on the squad which had produced several medallists at Olympic Winter Games and world championships but also had to suffer from a loss of their top athletes over the last couple of years.

Therefore, the new support staff wants to bring back the squad to the top of the world as soon as possible – and sees some first good steps.

Fuchs, who played a major role in developing the Russian talents in the lead-up to Sochi, emphasised the team spirit which he thinks is important to be successful.

“Most athletes work together with fitness coaches to stay in shape and therefore bring in the right physical background.

Therefore, we focused on forming a team out of a bunch of individuals over the summer as this has a big influence on every racers performance,” explained Fuchs, a former World Cup athlete from Austria.

Young guns were able to look up to Europa Cup title winner and national team member Tim Watter as well as upcoming hopeful Jérôme Lymann whilst World Cup experienced Sandra Gerber will be a so-called female team leader in the 2015-16 season.

In addition, the 39-year-old two-time Olympian pointed out that the team also worked on some new technical rearrangements.

“That's not easy and it needs a lot of sticktoitiveness but everyone gave his or her best. If we are able to apply what we have learned over the winter, we would make a huge step forward.”

Fuchs will get a first glimpse on where his team is at the Europa Cup opening on the Pitztal glacier, Austria end of November as well as the first World Cup races staged in Montafon, Austria mid of December.

Source: fis-ski.com