Falk Göpfert has been hired as the new coach for the Austrian training group 1, the country’s elite cross-country skiers. Göpfert will be working with talents such as Teresa Stadlober, Mika Vermeulen, Benjamin Moser and Lukas Mrkonjic.

In a press release, Ski Austria informed that Falk Göpfert (50) would be working with the skiers from training group 1 of the Austrian cross-country skiing team. The German coach takes over the group with immediate effect. 

Drawing on his extensive experience, Göpfert most recently worked with distinction at the German Ski Association (DSV) for several years, overseeing the training center in Ruhpolding since 2019. Notably, he joined the coaching staff of the German men’s World Cup team in 2022, further augmenting his credentials. 

“I’m looking forward to this exciting challenge. With Teresa Stadlober, we already have an Olympic medal winner on our team, and looking after such a top athlete is, of course, always an attractive task. The men also regularly placed in the top 30 or top 20 last season and showed that they are not far from the best in the world,” says the new Austrian coach Falk Göpfert and adds:

“First, I get to know the athletes and to get a first general impression – and, of course, vice versa. Now it is important to take the right measures for the pre-season to be able to further develop the individual athletes in the best possible way. In my opinion, the first impression is promising.” 

Alois Stadlober, Austria’s cross-country skiing sports director, is looking forward to the cooperation:

“With Falk Göpfert, we brought a real expert into our team who has extensive knowledge and has already been successful internationally. We look forward to working together and are confident that his undeniably valuable expertise will help the team take another step closer to being world leaders next winter.”

Complementing Göpfert’s expertise, Fabian Sieder will assume the role of assistant coach. Sieder, a promising newcomer, hails from South Tyrol and brings valuable insights to the team. Having spent three years as a regional ski association coach in Tyrol, he excelled in overseeing the Nordic combined athletes. In his new role as an assistant coach, the accomplished sports scientist, aged 24, will play an instrumental role in performance diagnostics, adding a fresh perspective to the team’s pursuit of excellence.  

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