Kaestle rejoins Austria’s supplier pool after Liensberger dispute

On Monday, June 8 Kaestle skis announced they would be officially returning to the Austrian Ski Federation’s (OSV) supplier pool. Thanks to new partnerships with Dalbello, Lange, and Marker, Kaestle was able to close the deal after a 23-year absence from the OSV pool.

Originally Kaestle had attempted to make their comeback as an OSV supplier prior to the 2019-20 season after signing young Austrian slalom star, Katharina Liensberger. Liensberger, who at the time was ranked 7th in the world in slalom and 12th in the world in the giant slalom, was a major addition to the brand’s team.

But a debacle soon ensued as Liensberger was unable to find a boot supplier willing to endorse her new contract with Kaestle. She had previously been on Rossignol skis, and at the time, Lange was unwillingly to continue working with her as a boot partner.

Due to this dispute, Liensberger entered into hot water with OSV and did not start her season in the Soelden giant slalom as planned. OSV had given the then 22-year-old until November 15 to sign a new supplier contract prior to the season kick-off, or else be barred from competition for the entirety of the 2019-20 season. Under pressure, Liensberger resigned with Rossignol for two years.

Fast forward to 2020, and Liensberger’s dispute has helped push Kaestle in the right direction. Her support as a top Austrian athlete, as well as the success of Dutch athlete Adrianna Jelinkova as the 2019-20 North American Cup (NorAm) giant slalom champion and World Pro Ski Tour’s Rookie of the Year, Simon Kammerlander-Breitfuss, Kaestle has now been accepted into the supplier of OSV as well as Swiss Ski.

Cedric Noger is the first Swiss World Cup athlete to join team Kaestle. Mathias Graf is currently the sole Austrian athlete signed to Kaestle, and will be representing the brand at the Europa Cup level.