Surprisingly, the Austrian speed champion Matthias Mayer - eleven victories in the world cup but above all three Olympic gold medals that had characterized him as an athlete capable of emerging in the great events - announced his retirement from competitive sport, at the age of 32.
Interviewed by the Austrian TV ORF after the reconnaissance of today's super-G scheduled in Bormio, Mayer said he "had thought about it for a long time" and that he was convinced he no longer had "the right energy".
In Bormio also the Swiss champion Beat Feuz had confirmed his retirement which however will start after the Kitzbuehel races in mid-January.