Julian, how was your first FIS season?

It was a rather mixed season with ups and downs – but I learned a lot from these experiences and can start the next season well with my current level of knowledge.

Which race was your personal highlight last season?

The Austrian Championships in St. Lamprecht. I came sixth in the U18 classification. Apart from that, the fun I had with my teammates, friends and coaches were my highlights.

Were there any negatives? Anything that didn't go as planned – and what did you learn from it?

There was a period when I had several setbacks in a row, which made me realise that in skiing, you can very quickly find yourself going through a long dry spell.

I learned from this that you still have to find yourself again in order to regain your self-confidence.

How did your training change compared to last season?

The fitness training was much tougher and more effective. You could really feel it physically.

The ski training was more intense, with fewer training days but more race days.

That meant you had to be at your best during the races.

Which slope or course was the biggest challenge for you this season and why?

The first race in Hippach in the Zillertal. The conditions there were very surprising for me. It was extremely icy, the skis weren't prepared accordingly and the setup wasn't right either.

Apart from your 6th place at the Austrian Championships in St. Lamprecht, are there any other results you are particularly proud of?

At these Austrian Championships in St. Lamprecht, I not only achieved 6th place but also 2nd place in my age group. That was my highlight.

How did you deal with pressure or nervousness before important races – did you have any rituals or strategies?

Warm up, inspect the course, warm up briefly or eat something in the restaurant, warm up physically with the same exercises, listen to music for motivation, go through the race in my head, find inner peace.

Was there a situation in which you surpassed yourself – mentally or athletically?

I've noticed that I find it easier to race when I come to the start spontaneously, without thinking too much about it. That's when I can perform at my best.

If I stand at the start for too long, it tends to be a mental strain for me.

How important was the team (coaches, family, teammates) in your development this season?

The coaches were very important. There was a change of coaches between last season and this season, which was a new situation for me, but the coaches were very good and I got on well with them, both personally and professionally. Friends also play a very important role for me; we had a lot of fun travelling and at the races. My family is very supportive and my dad helps me with lots of things, especially preparing my skis.

What would you say to yourself at the beginning of the season with the knowledge you have today?

That I should just ski, that I shouldn't worry too much about opponents and points, that I should have more fun skiing and always give it my all.

What are your goals for next season – both athletically and personally?

To continue to develop technically and mentally and to have fun skiing.

If you had any injuries: how did your recovery go, how are you now and how did you spend the time immediately after the accident or injury?

There were no major injuries, I'm struggling a bit with my back, but I'm on the right track with mobilisation, stretching exercises and core training to get this under control.