Personnel restructuring in the Austrian men's European Cup team

The men's European Cup team is undergoing a restructuring ahead of the 2026/27 season. The core of this adjustment is a new training structure with three training groups – up from two previously. The aim of these measures is more targeted athlete development and optimal preparation for the World Cup. In addition to the already established EC Technical Group (slalom, giant slalom) led by Günther Steiner, Roland Assinger will now be responsible for the EC Speed ​​training group (downhill and super-G). Perhaps the most significant change involves the newly created EC 3 group (giant slalom, super-G, and downhill), which will be led by Matthias Mayer.

Group assignments for the Men's European Cup 2026/27:

• EC Technology | Günther Steiner (Head) | Slalom and Giant Slalom

• EC-Speed ​​| Roland Assinger (Director) | Downhill and Super-G

• EC 3 | Matthias Mayer (Director) | Giant Slalom, Super-G, Downhill

"The combination of experience and new impulses in the coaching team will help us to take the next steps in the European Cup and to prepare the young athletes in the best possible way for the World Cup". said Marko Pfeifer, Head Coach Alpine Men

Matthias Mayer, who ended his active career three years ago, has already been involved in an advisory capacity for up-and-coming Austrian skiers for the past two seasons and will now be responsible for the development of all-round athletes in his new role as group coach. "I'm really looking forward to this new challenge. It's important to me to pass on my experience from the World Cup and to support the athletes both athletically and personally on their journey," said the three-time Olympic champion.

Roland Assinger will be responsible for Austria's downhill and Super-G talents, taking over as head of the men's speed group in the European Cup. The former women's head coach is expected to bring fresh impetus and prepare the athletes for the World Cup in the best possible and most targeted way. "The European Cup is a crucial step on the road to the World Cup. Our goal will be to specifically prepare the athletes for the demands of speed skiing and give them the necessary confidence and consistency," Assinger explains.

The structure in the World Cup area, however, remains unchanged: The focus here continues to be on proven talent. Andreas Evers (WC1), Werner Franz (WC2), Martin Kroisleitner (WC3) and Robert Füss (WC4) will again coach their respective training groups next season.