ÖSV skier finally off painkillers – "Massive progress"

Severe meniscus problems severely hampered ÖSV speed specialist Stefan Rieser last season.

Despite his limitations – virtually no training, starting races without warm-up runs – the 27-year-old competed throughout the entire past winter, but top results eluded him: in Val Gardena he finished in the World Cup points twice, while in the European Cup he remained without a podium finish.

Rieser could hardly function without painkillers. After a winter plagued by pain, retirement was even briefly on the table. "But I thought to myself: That wasn't all yet," the downhill specialist said combatively in an interview with the "Krone".

Without ÖSV squad spot – Rieser has to cover all costs himself

Although the lack of results meant that the Salzburg native currently finds himself without an ÖSV squad spot and has to pay for all his training himself, he still looks ahead to the upcoming season with positivity thanks to his improved health.

"I have made massive progress since getting back on skis," said a pleased Rieser, who is once again managing without painkillers: "I took enough of those last season."

Internal qualification in the USA

Rieser and his ÖSV speed teammates will soon head to North America, where the Salzburg native will compete in the internal qualification for a World Cup starting spot.

The first speed race of the World Cup season takes place on November 28 in Copper Mountain (Super-G). The following week, action continues at the traditional speed weekend in Beaver Creek.