New coach and ski tech for Goggia

Italian alpine skiing star Sofia Goggia has wrapped up her first week of intensive summer training on the snows of Ushuaia, Argentina, signaling the dawn of a significantly revamped chapter in her racing career. The reigning queen of speed, whose storied resume features an historic Olympic downhill gold at PyeongChang 2018 and four World Cup downhill titles, has boldly overhauled her primary support staff ahead of the new season. Operating under the fresh technical direction of head coach Gianluca Rulfi, Goggia is sharply recalibrating her pursuit of the podium. However, the most emotionally resonant change has taken place within the ski room itself.

Just before departing for her South American training camp in late August, Goggia officially introduced her new skiman, Markus Gufler, while offering a deeply poignant public farewell to Barnaba "Babi" Greppi, who stepped down at the conclusion of the previous season. Greppi stood as an anchor for the Italian champion through her highest triumphs and most grueling injury rehabilitations, meticulously tuning her equipment to match her aggressive, lightning-fast style. In a moving tribute, Goggia explicitly credited Greppi as her fundamental pillar, stating that his unwavering dedication directly helped her evolve into a far more prolific winner on the World Cup circuit.

Sofia officially introduced her new team, thanking Babi, who called it quits at the end of last season.

"So many years we spent together, so many adventures and emotions," she writes. "We won so much, you helped me become a more successful skier, you were my cornerstone. Thank you for helping me and for always being there."

"Looking back, I smile, thinking about the wonderful professional goals we've achieved together, but I don't just think about the podiums and victories, the cups and medals. What I remember most from these years, and what I'll cherish forever, are the human moments we shared, even off the track."

Our endless trips where I always had so much fun, your hello fans, the endless laughs, Mina on the chairlift, Berry "Whites" in the ski room, the discussions about "big picture" systems, the love you put into making my skis faster, your boundless passion for downhill skiing. They were magnificent years, and you were a part of them. Nothing and no one will ever take them away from us.

Sofia's mission continues, seeking new successes thanks in part to the teachings of "Babi," a legendary figure at the World Cup. She thanks him and promises: "I'll try to be good." Since this summer, Sofia Goggia has been working with Markus Gufler. "I can't wait for this new adventure together, I'm happy to have you by my side."

Beyond the gleaming collection of crystal globes and Olympic hardware, Goggia emphasized the profound human bond forged far away from the starting gate. She fondly recalled their endless logistical road trips, inside jokes echoing through quiet ski rooms, deep discussions on life, and Greppi's absolute, smoldering passion for downhill racing. These shared experiences, she insists, are permanent fixtures of her legacy that no one can ever erase.

With the foundation set by her years with Greppi, Goggia is now funneling that accumulated wisdom into her brand-new partnership with Gufler. Promising her former skiman that she will "try to be good," the elite racer is embracing this structural transition with genuine enthusiasm, expressing immense excitement to have Gufler stationed at her side. As the training blocks intensify in Ushuaia, Goggia’s entirely rebuilt team faces the monumental task of keeping Italy's most celebrated speed skier at the absolute pinnacle of the sport.