How is training in summer, Max Franz? Fischer Chats With new Team Member

The Fischer Race Family is delighted about a new Austrian member of the speed team: Max Franz will be racing with Fischer from the upcoming season. The 28-year-old Carinthian has shown how strong he is in Downhill and Super G for years. During his visit at our headquarters he shared with us the reason why he changed to Fischer, his plans for summer and his goals for the next season.

Max, we are particularly pleased to welcome you in the Fischer Race Family team!What prompted you to race with Fischer from now on?

Thanks, I'm also absolutely delighted! It was clear to me for around three years that I would like to test something else. After 15 years with the same ski brand, changing is by no means easy, as you can imagine. This year though I finally took the decision to switch and everything worked out brilliantly right from the start.

This means that the first tests you had with Fischer went well for you?

I have to admit that I was very nervous when it came to the first tests. I was wondering what was going to happen to me. But then I just skied off – and it was really completely different! It took some getting used to on the first day of course, but on the second day I got on extremely well with the new equipment!

Is there such a thing as a break after a demanding World Cup season?

I haven't really had a break this year. Changing brands involves a lot of work – tests and equipment setup, then more tests. You try to spend as much time as you can inside the new boots and on the new skis of course.

How is training now in summer, what are your plans before the next season begins?

I'm currently in the middle of a very focused and intensive phase again, based on two training sessions every day. The training is to do with finding the right balance and at the same time my knee is a topic – but I'm already managing to keep that under control. In August I'll then be flying to Chile for a month together with Vince.

How does a week without skis look in your life – is there such a thing?

There has to be, yes. At a time like now you're happy when you can put the skis to one side for bit but then after 2 or 3 weeks at the latest I can't wait to get back on them and I'm already looking forward to our time in Chile!

What goals have you set yourself for the upcoming season?

My goals haven't changed that much, I want to become more consistent, top-three finishes or a medal at the WSC in Åre are my top goals.

A philosophical question to finish with: what is the best thing in your life as a sportsman?

I turned my hobby into a career!