The German speed team faces significant challenges ahead of the Ski World Championships, with athletes Romed Baumann, Simon Jocher, and newcomer Luis Vogt aiming to shine despite recent setbacks, including injuries and retirements. Baumann brings experience, while Jocher battles health issues, and Vogt, making his debut, is eager to embrace the competition. The trio is united in their ambition to succeed in downhill and Super-G events, looking to celebrate their performances amid the excitement of the championships.
The German Speed Team Faces Challenges at the Ski World Championships
For the German speed team, the road to the Ski World Championships has been anything but smooth. However, athletes Romed Baumann, Simon Jocher, and the promising newcomer Luis Vogt are determined to make a splash during the event.
Gathered in the German team hotel in Saalbach, the trio showcases a fascinating mix of experience and youthful enthusiasm. Romed Baumann, at 39 years old, boasts three World Championship medals and an impressive history of races in Saalbach-Hinterglemm. On his left is Simon Jocher, 28, who is preparing for his third World Championship while battling a painful heel bruise and a herniated disc. Completing the group is 22-year-old Luis Vogt from SC Garmisch, making his World Championship debut and familiar only with the slopes from European Cup competitions.
Overcoming Setbacks and Embracing Dreams
This trio represents the DSV speed team, grappling with a series of setbacks in recent months. The team has lost key members, including Thomas Dreßen, who retired due to health issues, and Josef Ferstl, who also stepped back from competition. Additionally, Andreas Sander is currently sidelined due to illness, and Jacob Schramm suffered a severe injury in Kitzbühel, which has made the situation even more challenging.
Despite these difficulties, Luis Vogt remains optimistic and relaxed, leaning on the experience of his teammates. “I try to hide a bit behind Simon and Romed. They are taking a lot of pressure off me at the moment,” he shared. His enthusiasm is palpable as he reflects on his first World Championship experience, saying, “It’s a big childhood dream to be at a World Championship. I’m really looking forward to the World Championship. I think it will be a great spectacle.”
Vogt has already made an impression this season, scoring points five times and establishing himself among the world elite after only twenty World Cup races. He is recognized as a bright prospect for the future of speed disciplines, setting ambitious goals: “Each of us is here because we want to win someday. That’s my goal and my passion.”
Baumann recalls his own first World Championship medal earned in 2011 and reflects on how surreal it is to now be competing alongside Vogt, who once looked up to him as a young ski enthusiast. “I was very close to Romed Baumann; I was the number kid. Very crazy, in 2011, I was nine years old; I never thought that I would be racing a ski World Championship with Romed in 2025,” Vogt reminisced.
As the duo trains together, they share a common ambition: to overcome their challenging start and excel in the downhill and Super-G events. With a rest day following the downhill, Vogt is motivated to perform well, stating, “I hope I race so well on Sunday that I have something to celebrate. And then I can enjoy the après-ski a bit.”
Stay updated with the Alpine Ski calendar, featuring all the crucial dates from Sölden to the World Championship in Saalbach and concluding with the season finale in Sun Valley, accessible directly on your smartphone.
The women’s Super-G will also take place in Saalbach-Hinterglemm, with complete broadcasts available for re-live viewing.
As the Alpine Ski World Championship kicks off with the parallel team event, fans can look forward to highlights featuring commentary from Bernd Schmelzer and Tobias Barnerssoi.