Next retirement during World Cup season: German speed hero hangs up his skis

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A lot is happening on the men’s side in the German Ski Association (DSV). Just last week, the most successful German downhill skier, Thomas Dressen (30), withdrew from the Streif in Kitzbühel. Just a few days later, his old teammate Josef Ferstl (35) announced at relatively short notice that he would participate in the races in Garmisch-Partenkirchen for the last time. This means that Ferstl ends up where he made his World Cup debut in 2007.

“This season I have again tried everything to reassert myself among the best speed drivers in the world. Unfortunately, I was not able to improve and stabilize my performance level to achieve further top results,” said Josef Ferstl in a statement from the DSV.

Continues skiing

It was always his goal to experience racing in all its consequences. But when the head is no longer willing to take full risks, it’s time to draw a line. The decision was not easy for him as racing was both a passion and a fulfillment for him.

Ferstl says goodbye on Instagram with a simple “Hello”. He also posts a photo of himself with the chamois in his hand from the 2019 Super-G victory in Kitzbühel. At the time, he won the Streif exactly 40 years after his father Sepp. In total, Ferstl stood on the highest podium twice during the World Cup. For the first time in 2017 during the Super-G in Val Gardena.

Despite his retirement, the speed specialist remains involved in skiing. “I can’t help it, the passion and fascination for racing is just too great, that’s what my heart beats for,” says Ferstl. However, it is still unclear in what function.

Source : Blick