The Coaches World Cup puzzle comes together

The Olympic quadrennium has just ended, and, as usual, it brings significant changes within the federations, especially among the management roles and in key positions within the teams.

Some federations have already confirmed their strategies; others are still being defined, but let’s start by listing some significant changes. 

Major shifts occur in the Austrian Ski Federation (ÖSV), and several coaches in crucial positions have announced that they are leaving the federation after the 2022 season.

Patrick Riml, the head of the High-Performance Alpine Sports department at the ÖSV from 2019, left the Austrian Federation and will return to U.S. Ski & Snowboard as Alpine Director. Riml began with U.S. Ski & Snowboard in 2001 as a coach, served as Head Coach of the women’s team from 2003-08 and was the Alpine Director from 2011-18, overseeing some of the most successful teams in U.S. Ski & Snowboard history.
“I am very happy to be returning to the alpine program at U.S. Ski & Snowboard,” said Riml. “The program is unmatched in its potential, and I’m excited to be working with both the talent coming up through the ranks and the elite athletes to help the skiers achieve their dreams.”

ÖSV announced the hiring of Austrian Herbert Mandl in a new sports director position. The ÖSV stated in early March that experienced coach Herbert Mandl was hired as the sports director and will assume responsibility for the entire ÖSV alpine area. 
Christian Mitter, the head coach for the ÖSV alpine women since 2019, announced his departure, and Thomas Trinker has replaced him. 
The 47-year-old Styrian has been working as a coach in the Austrian Ski Federation for 22 years and has been responsible for men’s and women’s races in various functions. From 2012 to 2018, Trinker was already on duty for six years as group coach (European Cup and World Cup) for the ÖSV women, and most recently was responsible for the men’s junior team.

Andreas Puelacher, the head coach for ÖSV alpine men since 2014, also announced his departure, and Marko Pfeifer took over. The 47-year-old Carinthian was in charge of Austria’s slalom specialists since April 2013 and led them to the world’s top. The decision was confirmed by the federation’s management and presented to the public during the World Cup finals in Courchevel, France. 

French Federation