The Austrian Ski Federation has announced today, 26th October 2012, the sad news that Bjoern Sieber, one of the most perspective young Austrian skiers, has passed after being involved in a car crash earlier in the day.

The 24 years old athlete, born on 5th March 1989 in Voralberg (AUT) has been a member of the Austrian Ski Team since 2006 and one of the biggest all round hopefuls of the sport. Sieber was supposed to forerun at the Ski World Cup Opening race in Soelden this weekend. Among his biggest achievements, Sieber counts a Giant Slalom silver medal from the 2009 World Junior Championships in Garmisch-Partenkirchen (GER), a Super G bronze medal from the 2008 Junior World Championships in Formigal (SPA), a 2011 National Champion title in Super G. Sieber competed in 18 World Cup races and his best result is a seventh place in the Super Combined in Bansko.

"We are shocked to hear about the tragic accident where a young and very promising athlete Bjoern Sieber passed away this afternoon just before the start of the World Cup season. FIS sends its sincere condolences to the family and wishes them much strength in this difficult time, especially since also Björn's brother is severely injured. Our thoughts are with them!”, said Gian-Franco Kasper, President of the International Ski Federation upon hearing the sad news.

Today the skiing community lost a great person and skier; Bjoern will be greatly missed by all. The whole skiing community extends its sincere condolences to his family, friends and the Austrian Ski Federation.