Press Center
For Immediate Release
November 25, 2008
Media Contact:
John Dakin
(970) 949-1999
HERMINATOR TRAVELS TO CANADA BUT NORTH AMERICAN RACES STILL IN DOUBT FOR AUSTRIA’S MAIER
BEAVER CREEK, Colorado—Austria’s Hermann Maier has become a traditional crowd favorite at the annual Birds of Prey World Cup races, and for good reason. The four-time overall World Cup champ has captured more individual race wins on the Beaver Creek racecourse than any competitor, eight including the 1999 World Championships, and many in dramatic fashion.
However, the Herminator may be forced to watch the 2008 Audi Birds of Prey World Cup Race Week events from the sidelines as his status for the tour’s North American swing is still very much in doubt heading into this weekend’s Downhill and Super-G races in Lake Louise, Canada.
The 35-year-old Maier is suffering from an inter-vertebral disc injury, situated between the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae. He could avoid surgery, although his race schedule may be significantly impacted. The Austrian veteran had a disappointing start to the 2008-09 season on home snow in Soelden, finishing 32nd in the first run of Giant Slalom and not qualifying for the second run.
“Ever since Birds of Prey debuted in 1997, “explained Michael Imhof, Vice President of Sales and Operations for the Vail Valley Foundation, “Hermann has been not only dominant, but extremely complimentary of the course. It’s one of his favorites and our crowds have certainly come to respect and enjoy cheering for the Herminator as one of their own. While we hope he will be able to compete here, we certainly want him to do what is best for his physical well being.”
Maier did travel to Canada to join the Austrian team for training in Sun Peaks, British Columbia in preparation for the competitions in Lake Louise, but his race day status remains uncertain. The World Cup teams are scheduled to descend on Beaver Creek December 1, with the first official Downhill training run for the Audi Birds of Prey slated for Tuesday, December 2.
The 2008 Audi Birds of Prey World Cup Race Week is a project of the Vail Valley Foundation. For more information on Birds of Prey, visit www.bcworldcup.com. For additional information on the Vail Valley Foundation, check out www.vvf.org.
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