Ghezze steps down as Italian women’s speed coach

Alberto Ghezze has stepped down from his role as head coach of the Italian women’s World Cup speed ​​team. The fifty-year-old coach, who has been in charge since 2013, shared his decision to Italian Ski Federation President Flavio Roda. He will take on a new adventure, working on the Cortina 2021 World Championships and representing the FISI within the executive board of the Cortina 2021 Foundation.

“It was a painful decision that came to fruition after a long period of reflection,” explained Ghezze. “Work with Cortina is particularly challenging and thinking to do both tasks in the best of ways is impossible. I thank President Roda and the whole federation for the opportunity it has given me in these magnificent years. I think it is the right decision. On the occasion of the Olympic year, I wish the girls the best possible results, they have the skills and they deserve it.”

The Italian women’s speed team had a stellar 2016-17 season including Sofia Goggia’s back to back wins on the Olympic track at Jeongseon, South Korea. The federation expects big things from the self-proclaimed “Downhill Lions.”

“The girls have reached a certain physical maturity, mental and technical,” said Women’s Head Coach Matteo Guadagnini in a June press release. “They have the quality to fight at the highest levels in both competitions… Goggia and Brignone can compete for the best results on the World Cup, have the weapons to win in three disciplines, although they will find rivals returning after an injury that will increase competition. However, they are able to bear this responsibility.”

Guadagnini will oversee the women’s speed team in the interim with the support of Giovanni Feltrin, who has been a part of the speed coaching staff for several years.

Release from the Italian Ski Federation