[ad_1]
Less than two weeks to go to the World Ski Flight Championships in Planica (Slovenia) and the Austrian ski jumping team is completely in the Corona swamp. First Gregor Schlierenzauer, Philipp Aschenwald, coach Andreas Widhölzl and an unnamed supervisor tested positive for Covid-19. Overall winners Stefan Kraft and Michael Hayböck will join them on Saturday.
The wrong masks should be to blame
The ÖSV believes that the cause of the many infections has already been found. Wrong protective masks are said to have been used. For Mario Stecher, Sporting Director for Ski Jumping and Combination in the ÖSV, it is clear: “One of the most important points we have understood is that we must always wear FFP2 masks. We only ever wore cloth masks in Wisla. If you look at where the first symptoms appeared, then you have to assume: it happened on the way to Wisla or immediately after arrival. “That’s why Stecher continues:” You have to take your nose! “
After the first positive test results were reported in the early stages, ÖSV – in view of the upcoming races – quickly decided to appoint Manuel Fettner, team B ski jumper, as a precaution.
Kraft, Hayböck and Schlierenzauer will not be present at the next World Cup competition in Nizhny Tagil (Russia). Coach Widhölzl will also forgo a trip to Russia. A start at the Tyrolean Aschenwald is conceivable, but this decision has yet to be made. At least Daniel Huber, third at the start as the best Austrian, should be present in Russia.
Stecher is optimistic about the World Cup
Regarding the upcoming World Ski Flying Championships in mid-December, Stecher said: “We have to take it as it is and still make sure we prepare as well as possible. In Austria we will still find training opportunities, provided that the state of health allows it, of course “.
According to the sports director, the normal hills of Seefeld, Ramsau and Eisenerz are available for training. Though competition mode is missing for many jumpers in the World Cup race, Stecher believes his athletes can still celebrate success. It’s about the best ski jumpers in the world, who already have big jump jumps in their legs this year. (red)
Source link
