A bang in the ski circus! The Swiss shooting star Marco Odermatt (23) is now wearing a Red Bull helmet – an accolade for the overall World Cup runner-up last season. There is hardly an athlete who would not immediately sign with the energy drink manufacturer: No other brand can offer the standing in individual sport that the Austrian energy drink manufacturer has.
“It shows where I have arrived,” says Odermatt, who recently had a smaller deal with the effervescent producer and is now the first Alpine Swiss to sign a main sponsorship contract. “That means a lot to me.”
Blick says what will change for the Nidwalden with the Red Bull deal:
Money: It is logical that the new contract also affects the account. Odermatt’s contractually stipulated fixed salary increases with the signature. “But you don’t switch to Red Bull because of the money alone,” says Odermatt manager Michael Schiendorfer. According to experts, the Austrians make the difference elsewhere.
Care, support: The Austrians operate two modern competitive sports centers in Salzburg, which are also available to Odermatt. There is also the “Athletes Special Projects” department with a focus on alpine skiing, led by star speed trainer Robert Trenkwalder. Medical questions are also answered in a tailor-made manner.
Network: The Austrians have already had top shots such as Hirscher, Paris, Pinturault, Vonn and Ledecka in their portfolio. They know what a top athlete needs. And if a training slope has to be found at short notice, the sponsor uses its mega-network. “I will certainly be happy to use the opportunities in Salzburg,” says Odermatt. “But my training center remains in Switzerland.” He will continue to train with the Swiss Association.
Logistics: Here, too, the Austrians set new standards: If an athlete needs a flight, the sponsor will be happy to send one of his helicopters or jets. “As an athlete who competes in many different disciplines in the World Cup, that’s definitely interesting for me,” says Odermatt. “The regeneration can be worth its weight in gold. So far I’ve flown with other skiers from time to time – now maybe they’ll fly alone for me. “
Marketing: Here Odermatt comes into the finely oiled Red Bull sports marketing machinery, is pushed as a brand ambassador worldwide. Good for him – but also for his other sponsors, who are now suddenly also getting more attention. Which of course further increases Odermatt’s market value.
On Tuesday morning it became clear that Odermatt is not losing its feet because of the new possibilities: He brings the employees of the manufacture of his ski outfitter Stöckli to Malters Gipfeli. “A token of appreciation,” he says. “After all, they have been supporting me for almost 13 years.”