Joan Verdú Tests Van Deer Skis at Reiteralm to Boost Preseason Prep
Andorran skier trials new equipment after tough switch from Head skis, visits factory for custom boot moulds, and eyes Mamba Ski Race amid coaching uncertainty.
Key Points
- Joan Verdú tests Van Deer skis at Reiteralm, Austria, for preseason prep after switching from Head skis.
- Visited Van Deer factory with Roger Vidosa for custom boot moulds, featured on YouTube.
- Reports strong physical sensations and positive gear feedback to advance summer training.
- Prepares for Mamba Ski Race on April 4 amid coaching uncertainty with FAE.
Joan Verdú, an alpine skier with the Andorran Ski Federation (FAE) and the VAN DEER-Red Bull Sports team, completed a two-day training stint this week at Reiteralm in Austria to test new equipment following the end of the recent season.
The sessions focused on trialling Van Deer skis under race conditions, collecting data on timing and material performance, and adjusting technical parameters to boost his output ahead of preseason work. Verdú, who struggled last season adapting to Van Deer after over a decade on Head skis, also visited the brand's factory with Roger Vidosa to create custom moulds for his boots in the coming campaign—a process featured in a video on his YouTube channel.
"It's a good moment for these tests since I'm feeling fresh with strong physical sensations and great feedback from the gear," Verdú said. "They'll help a lot going into summer. The goal is to use this time of year for as many trials as possible to advance preseason preparations as much as we can."
The FAE has not yet announced Verdú's coach for the new term. In the meantime, he has begun road cycling and is preparing for the third edition of the Mamba Ski Race on 4 April, a spring fixture now featuring several course changes from last year.
Original Sources
This article was aggregated from the following Catalan-language sources: