Fritz Strobl exclusive

Benjamin Raich's victory in the slalom in Levi in November remains the only success for the Austrian men's team of the season, though Strobl claimed that the problem has been over exaggerated.

"The whole issue has been blown up to a far greater extent in foreign countries than it is at home [in Austria]. The bigger problem is the [lack of] snow in Austria. Our team was and is still very strong," he told Eurosport.

"In years gone by, we were been spoilt by success, and always made an excellent start to the season. This winter we haven't enjoyed such a big advantage. But I think that it's good for the sport when people see that there are other competitors too. The competition is not sleeping.

Strobl also suggested that the strength of the competition is frequently underestimated, commenting:

"It's not as if only Austrians know how to ski. The racers who are out in front now were also successful in past years.

"In skiing it's as simple as this: When things go well, they go well. In the past things generally went to plan and we skied well without really having to think about it too much.

"At the start of this winter, everything has turned around, the foreign racers have sensed an opportunity, and are now on a roll. That doesn't mean that in the space of a year we have become worse skiers and don't have a chance any more. The winter has only just begun."

Strobl is yet to record a podium finish since finishing third in Wengen last January, though believes an upturn in fortunes is only a matter of time.

"We trained very well in summer and prepared well. But I have learnt one thing: You can't draw any conclusions from results in summer. I want to carry on focussing on skiing.

"If I don't make mistakes, and if I can allow myself to relax and have fun while racing then I'll certainly be at the top again."