SSA High Performance Alpine Development Team Update

The SSA High Performance Alpine Development Team, consisting of Demian Franzen, Bryce Stevens, Will Clifford, Thomas Mathias, Hugh Stevens and Christian Geiger, has been busy training and competing in Europe under coach Mike Gould.

Team members competed in their first two FIS races of the season in Slovenia in late December. Tom Mathias did well, finishing both races in much better position than his start number, Christian Geiger had a solid first event but came out in the second, and unfortunately Will Clifford was affected by illness and could not compete in either race.

Head Coach Mike Gould commented "Overall, I was happy with the team's first effort. The results should provide all team members with a platform to improve upon later on in the race season".

A highlight for the team was working with Australian World Cup athlete Jono Brauer and Head Coach Helmut Spiegel.

This race was a good opportunity for development team athletes to join forces with the World Cup team members and learn from them. The athletes no doubt benefited from skiing alongside Australian athletes who have experience at successfully competing in Europe.

Story with assistance from Mike Gould – SSA HPAD Coach