HERMANN MAIER was in Salzburg, Austria, recently, to attend the cycling world championships. He spoke with Ski Racing about his form and his goals.

Austrian skiers Hermann Maier and Benjamin Raich (L-R) pose during a photo session in Innsbruck, October 25, 2006. The team of the Austrian Ski Federation received their new team clothes for the upcoming winter season. REUTERS/Dominic Ebenbichler (AUSTRIA)

Ski Racing: How’s life Hermann?
Hermann Maier: Fine, I’m in good shape, relaxed and happy to be here. These world championships were a great success for the city which can perfectly organize big events. It’s good for its Olympic candidature. I’m getting ready for the World Cup opening at Soelden [Oct. 29, men's GS]. It’s warm today so it’s a little difficult to think too much about the next season.

SR: What have you done since the end of last season? What’s next for you?
HM: Nothing special, I did a long break in April then I started taking again care of my physical condition. The usual routine. I rode my bike a lot near the lake of Ater (where he owns a place). I also did some waterskiing there. I mostly tried to have fun doing what I was doing. Then I trained with the team in New Zealand in August. The conditions were really good there, the best ever for men, and I feel great now. I enjoy a lot what I’m doing and I’m very motivated. It’s a nice feeling. I’ll keep on training during the coming weeks and tune my technique for Soelden.

SR: It has been said that your actual form is outstanding — maybe the best since your motorcycle crash in 2001. What’s your feeling?
HM: We’ll see it in a few weeks. There is still [time] until Soelden and a lot can happen in the meantime. As I said, I felt fine during my summer training and I hope to carry on that momentum for a while.

SR: Any precise goals this winter — more gold medals at Are or a fifth overall World Cup title like Marc Girardelli?
HM: You always race to win and success is important to stay focused and motivated. I mostly hope to achieve a strong race at Soelden and then soon find my best rhythm in the speed events in North America. Last year, I had some problems to recoup mentally after my wonderful victory at Soelden. There was so much emotion involved in that great win that I had a hard time afterward
I aim to build up my confidence and my form in November and December to be totally ready for the big races in January and February. A fifth overall title would be nice for sure, but with all those new super combined which are now part of the program, I need to excel in my best events to have a serious chance to challenge favorites such as Benjamin Raich. He is the most complete and consistent skier of the field.
Yet, it’s still possible if I ski at my best level in downhill, super G and giant slalom because I don’t intend to train slalom and try to be on the podium in combined. It will surely be an interesting season with all the changes which took place last spring related to the ski suppliers of many racers.

SR: Do you think Bode Miller can come back and do well?
HM: It’s surely possible, he is a talented skier and he will certainly be racing on fast skis. He may be more motivated this winter and he can achieve great results in all events. But it would also be nice to see new faces fighting for great wins such as Hannes Reichelt, who is also a good skier.

SR: Any plan on your career and how more years you plan to race?
HM: Right now I can’t think longer that the first race in [Soelden]. Let’s see how the season will unfold, but I surely don’t feel tired or fed up of ski racing. It’s is a great activity and as long as I feel motivated and ready to win race, I don’t see why I should stop.

By Patrick Lang
skiracing.com
Wednesday, 11 October 2006