Eight Tyrolean skiers selected for Sölden World Cup opener

Eight skiers from Tyrol will compete at next week’s Alpine skiing World Cup opener in Sölden, ORF reports. The Austrian Ski Federation announced its team on Friday after internal timed runs determined the final places.

Natalie Falch and Valentina Rings-Wanner earned places in Saturday’s women’s giant slalom. Stephanie Brunner, Franziska Gritsch and Ricarda Haaser had already secured spots.

Nina Astner, from Itter, crashed during giant slalom training on Friday and injured her right lower leg. Ski Austria said the 26-year-old had no serious injuries but would miss the Sölden race. Leonie Raich was selected to replace her.

The women’s team also includes Victoria Olivier of Vorarlberg, Elena Riederer of Lower Austria and Julia Scheib of Styria, last year’s Sölden winner.

Two Tyroleans made the eight-man team: giant slalom world champion Raphael Haaser and Joshua Sturm, from the Pitztal valley. Carinthia’s Jakob Eisner won the final men’s place and will make his World Cup debut in Sölden.