Swiss tab Flatcher to coach; Defago re-signs with Rossignol

The coaching changes continue with the Swiss National team as Austrian Hans Flatcher was named March 28 as head coach of the women’s team replacing the recently retired Mauro Pini.

According to the Swiss team site the 44 year old Flatcher was a coach with the Swiss downhill group for eight seasons and has held a variety of coaching position within both the Swiss and Austrian federations.

“After eight years in the men’s group as a coach now is the right time for a change and a new challenge,” Flatcher said. “I am very motivated to tackle the great tasks that await in the women’s team to me.”

The Swiss women’s speed program suffered last season with injury. As a group they collected one win and five podiums coming from Fabienne Suter, Dominique Gisin and Nadja Kamer. Both Suter and Gisin were lost for the season to injuries after their early season successes.

In other Swiss news, Olympic downhill champion Didier Defago has agreed to remain with Rossignol equipment through the 2014 Olympic Games. Defago will use Rossignol skis and bindings and Lange boots.

Defago returned to the circuit this season after missing 2011 to injury and added his fourth World Cup downhill win at Bormio.

“We are very pleased that Didier has chosen to sign for a further two years with Rossignol Group,” said Angelo Maina, Director of Racing at Rossignol. “After his season out through injury we have been impressed by his results this winter. To come back at that level, in three different disciplines, is really very encouraging for the seasons to come.”

Didier Defago photo by Gepa