June 30, 2006 – Gerhard Urain (AUT) has been chosen as the new Nordic Race Director at Fischer. The former world-class Austrian cross country skier this week signed a contract with the Upper Austrian ski manufacturer and will get to grips with his new tasks straight away on the third of July. The 33-year-old will focus on the race service coordination in the Nordic disciplines cross country, biathlon, ski jumping and Nordic combined, and also work closely with the international associations.

Seven years’ World Cup experience
Still a member of the Austrian Army, Urain only retired from top-level competition in spring 2005 following what was his ninth Austrian championship title, and can turn to seven years of experience in the cross country World Cup. Over the years he has won the Military World Championships, the Engadin Ski Marathon and also had some top 15 results in the World Cup. He likewise competed at the Olympic Games in Nagano (JPN) in 1998 and in Salt Lake City (USA) in 2002 where he came 14th and 16th in the individual races and also took fourth place in the relay, confirming his position among the world’s best.

Last season Gerhard Urain demonstrated his expert insider knowledge as a co-commentator on Eurosport. At the same time he also supported the Austrian Ski Federation in many areas, ranging from ski tests to race service, training support and general organisation. This wealth of experience will be a great asset to him in his future career.

Parallel to his job, Gerhard Urain is currently attending a course at the Marketing Management Academy as part of the army’s career development programme.

Chosen from a field of international applicants
In their selection process the people responsible at Fischer took a very close look at the applicants to find the right person for this key position on the Nordic team. They finally decided in favour of Urain.

Thomas Drindl, Marketing Manager Nordic at Fischer: “Gerhard Urain was on the shortlist from the very beginning. We are delighted to welcome a man at the head of our international service team who fulfils all requirements and also has vast experience of his own from racing.”

Lives in Austrian cross country centre Ramsau

The proud father of twins lives together with his partner in Ramsau – an ideal base for his future duties. Gerhard Urain is highly optimistic about the new tasks: “I always wanted to work in the sports branch and am all the more pleased that I have now been given the chance to work in my own field. I know my way around the Nordic sector and can put the experience I have from marketing management into practice. As a top-level sportsman my impression of Fischer has always been excellent and I now look forward to being part of it myself.”