He already trained skier Hermann Maier: an Austrian grinder makes Odermatt even stronger

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Henrik Kristoffersen (29, slalom world champion) grumbles shortly before the start of the World Cup in Sölden (Austria). In a conversation with the newspaper ‘Österreich’, the Norwegian replied to Marco Odermatt (26): ‘I can’t imagine that things will be the same for Marco every year as they were last winter.’ Kristoffersen thinks he can slow down serial winner Odermatt (13 World Cup victories last winter, World Cup points record with 2042 points), mainly thanks to the development of his Van Deer skis. «Last year we participated in our first season with these skis. I think it’s possible that we’ll go a few tenths faster in every run this year. If that happens, we will win more races.”

What Kristoffersen obviously does not take into account is the fact that Odermatt has also developed further in recent months.

A “great” preparation for the season

Several insiders confirm to Blick that the two-time overall World Cup winner has delivered excellent training performances in recent months. Odermatt group head coach Helmut Krug says: “It is clear to us that the competition has not slept this summer. But I can also say that our preparation for the season has gone very well.” The Tyrolean-born Krug is one of three Austrians who are constantly improving the world champion and Olympic champion from the canton of Nidwaldner. The 60-year-old is an excellent specialist with a brilliant eye for the right skiing technique.

With his training planning in recent months, Krug has proven that he is also a very smart strategist. “Due to the enormous amount of competition that Odi has to complete next winter, we have placed a little more emphasis on strength and conditioning than on skiing in this preparation.”

Squats with 130 kilos

Krug brought the perfect “cutter” for the Swiss Alpine diamond from Austria. His name: Kurt Kothbauer. The powerhouse from the Innviertel (Austria) enjoyed several successes as a shot putter, javelin thrower and discus thrower in his home country in the 1980s and early 1990s before ending up on the supervisory staff of the Austrian Ski Association. At the ÖSV, Kothbauer also made superstar Hermann Maier sweat in his torture chamber.

In 2016, Krug lured the “Kurti” to Swiss-Ski, where he transformed the once delicate “Odi” into an impressively muscular animal. Twelve months ago, Kothbauer stated that “In terms of strength, Marco can keep up with the Herminator at its best.” Finally, Kothbauer and Odermatt went one step further. Marco currently masters deep squats with 130 kilos. That is five kilos more than last year. And because Odermatt also has an Austrian at his side, Chris Lödler from Vorarlberg, who prepares the Stöckli skis in the most ingenious way, Kristofferson will have to outdo himself next Sunday to keep up with the big opener in Sölden.

Source : Blick