NEWS
ÖSV Ski Racers Plagued by Equipment Problems Overseas
The ÖSV has so far had to do without a large amount of equipment in South America, which got stuck in customs.
The majority of Austria's ski team has been in South America since mid-August to prepare for the upcoming winter season.
The destinations are Ushuaia in Argentina, as well as La Parva, Portillo, El Colorado, and Valle Nevado in Chile.
So far, Austria's ski racers have encountered "beautiful, wintry and stable" conditions in South America, as ÖSV men's head coach Marko Pfeifer explained to "Krone". "The first block was really good, the boys covered many kilometers."
Equipment Stuck in Customs
Less pleasing is the fact that a large part of the equipment the ÖSV intended to bring to South America has so far been missing. Customs problems have meant that they had to do without a lot of gear, such as gate poles or ski boots.
"Even a snowmobile, which we urgently need, is still stuck – the phones are ringing off the hook," Pfeifer lamented, describing the situation as "tedious, truly challenging organizationally."
The European Cup team of ÖSV coach Matthias Mayer was reportedly hit the hardest, losing five potential training days according to "Krone".
