Defago headlines otherwise young Swiss squad in Soelden
The Swiss men’s team released the names of its starting athletes set to tackle the giant slalom World Cup season opener in Soelden, Austria on Oct. 27. Head coach Walter Hlebayna, together with his group discipline coaches, determined the squad representing Switzerland for the first race of the year after favorable conditions on Thursday (Oct. 17) enabled the team to hold several time trial runs. The Swiss team for Soelden includes a seasoned veteran as well as one athlete who makes his World Cup debut at the event.
Didier Defago, who placed fifth in last year’s race in Soelden, headlines the squad that also includes Gino Caviezel, Manuel Pleisch, Thomas Tumler, and Justin Murisier. Elia Zurbriggen, son of Olympic gold medalist and multiple World Cup and world championships winner Pirmin Zurbriggen, will have his fourth World Cup start in Soelden, while Sandro Jenal who trains with the Europa Cup group makes his debut on the World Cup circuit.
Photo: Defago racing in last year’s season opener at Soelden (credit: GEPA/Hans Simonlehner)