Go for the win

BEHIND THE SCENES

Athletes and engineers. 2 jobs, 1 goal.

The problem with a well-built ski is that if it's working perfectly, you probably won't even notice it. The same applies to a well-designed ski boot. It's so precise that you don't even realize it. That is the most important point. Don't think about the ski, the boot or any other piece of equipment, just focus on one thing - the finish line!

And that's exactly how it should be. At HEAD, we draw inspiration from those who focus on what really matters. People who know the importance of achievements and new records. If you ever visit our headquarters in Austria, you will see that these are the very people that work here. They know that technology and development can mean the difference between the glory of victory and the agony of defeat. Together we push skiing, inspire more and more people to use our products - and in the end integrate everything and just enjoy this fascinating sport.

Our goal is to give everyone complete freedom. You don't have to think about anything other than your own ultimate performance. This is what drives us.

 

We make the equipment - you make history.

Every athlete’s equipment is individually tailored to them!
Their servicemen tell us what that means for Matthias Mayer and Sara Hector, especially with regard to this biggest event of the season.

 

INGO FINK – Matthias Mayer's serviceman

How do you prepare the various components such as skis, ski boots and bindings?

Matthias’ boots are custom fit by our boot specialists. It is very important that the athlete works directly with the boot fitting team and finds the right product.

Skis, plates and bindings are adjusted individually depending on the race and depending on the snow conditions - we have quite a few adjustments in our setup - there is something suitable for every terrain.

What are the final preparations before the athlete starts?

There are just a few things that need to be done here. Remove ice and snow from skis and boots, check the binding again and then “full throttle”.

What are the final preparations for this special event and which skis are coming to the Far East?

Of course, there are skis that have already been successful, and there are generally different set ups for each discipline so that you are prepared for all conditions.

How high is the pressure before this particular event?

The tension is a bit greater, especially at the start there are more nerves - of course you want to be right at the front!

Reini Berbig – Sara Hector’s serviceman

How do you prepare the various components such as skis, ski boots and bindings?

In my case with Sara, we started with "standard" models. Depending on the conditions and of course, input from the athlete, a decision is then made together with the ski boot fitting  team on which adjustments must be made to in order to have the fastest material.

What are the final preparations before the athlete starts?

Everything is checked again - edges are checked, binding screws are rechecked, shoe soles are freed from ice. Once that's done, the athlete is high-fived shortly before the start and off we go.

What are the final preparations for this special event and which skis are coming to the Far East?

The actual preparations of the material are made on site, since we will probably find very special conditions. We don't change ski models - it will be more or less small adjustments.

How high is the pressure before this particular event?

In a special season like this, which only happens every four years, the pressure is a little bit higher at every race. Everyone wants to get results in order to be sure to be there. Once you have done that, the cards are completely reshuffled and, like in all other races, everything has to fit. Pressure and nervousness is certainly higher - you only have this one chance!