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Burkhard Schaffer is the new coach of the Austrian men's downhill team, effective immediately. Schaffer thus succeeds Andreas Evers. The 46-year-old Styrian was previously speed coach in Slovenia and has now signed a three-year contract to coach the team around downhill World Cup champion Klaus Kröll.

 "I am very happy to have the chance to return to work with ÖSV. I would like to make sure that we have a good cooperation within the group and that we actually reach the goals we define for ourselves. The pressure in Austria is especially high but given my long coaching experience I can deal with that well," said Schaffer as an initial comment.

Following the departure of Andreas Evers who moved to the US Ski Team, the men's head coach Mathias Berthold was able to hire his ideal candidate: "I am very happy that we could find a solution with the coach I wanted. Burkhard Schaffer has both international experience and understands our Austrian system very well.“

Schaffer signed a three-year contract. Hans Pum, Sports director with ÖSV said: "Burkhard Schaffer has sufficient experienced, is very competent and knows all downhills around the world. I am convinced that he will master the upcoming challenges with the home Worlds 2013 in Schladming, the Olympic Games in Sochi and the Worlds in the US. I wish him all the best for his new tasks.“

Schaffer worked in Slovenia as World Cup speed coach from 2009-2012. Prior to that he coached European Cup racers in Norway 2008-09 and the Austrian slalom men from 2006-2009. From 2001-2006 he was the men's head and speed coach in Canada  and from 1999-2001 the Austrian ladies' downhill coach.

Thomas Trinker is the new head coach for the European Cup ladies

Thomas Trinker thus succeeds Bernd Brunner, who also moved on to the US Ski Team.

"Thomas is a former racer and very experienced coach, working with ÖSV since 2000. He now takes over the ladies European Cup team,“ said Hans Pum.

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