"I Cried Bitterly" - Sara Hector Speaks About Loss

On October 24, the new Ski World Cup season traditionally kicks off in Sölden. Sara Hector will also be there.

However, when the 34-year-old Swede stands in the starting gate at Rettenbachferner, some things will be different. Hector will have to do without her serviceman Reinhard Berbig in the future.

"He didn't say anything at the World Cup final, but I saw it in him immediately. We know each other so well that I could read his emotions. It was incredibly emotional, even though not a single word was spoken," Hector told "Expressen" about the farewell to her long-time companion.

Hector: "This farewell hurt"

A little later, the Austrian officially confirmed his departure. Months of separation from his family and extensive travel had prompted him to make this decision.

"I cried bitterly," said Hector. "We had a great relationship and were extremely close. He taught me an incredible amount, which is why this farewell hurt so much. I was down for half the summer because of it."

New Serviceman Comes from Italy

Berbig's position has since been filled by Italian Matteo Fattor.

"He is extremely competent, and we have a lot of fun together. Changes sometimes come unbidden, but they don't necessarily always have to be a disadvantage," says the 2022 giant slalom Olympic champion, who still greatly enjoys skiing.

"I ski because I love this sport," says the 34-year-old, who doesn't rule out competing in the 2030 Olympic Games herself.