Jean-Baptiste Grange (FRA) is ready for a change. And this is the reason why the 27-year-old has signed a two-year contract with Fischer Sports. "I've skied with Rossignol all my life so far and have celebrated some great successes. I'm now approaching the second half of my career and want to try something new," says Grange, commenting on this big step.

Fischer was convincingWith his switch to the Austrian company Grange not only wants to be among the world's top skiers in Slalom again but also make an impact in Giant Slalom, too: "I haven't skied as well as I have done in the ski tests for a long while, especially in Giant Slalom. The skis perform exceptionally well. My goal is to be up with the leaders in both technical disciplines!"

Knee surgery first

Before Grange can start his preparations with his new equipment, however, he has to have surgery for a lacerated ligament on his right knee that has already been operated on. This laceration has to be repaired and will be followed by physiotherapy. "I will begin training again towards the end of summer. The plan is for me to get back to racing again in Levi, hopefully. Something that I'm really looking forward to, my first races with new skis and new boots!"

Reinfried Herbst and Fischer Sports are to join forces in future. The 33-year-old visited the Ried-based company in Austria and signed a two-year contract.

The Austrian skier sees this primarily as a new boost in motivation: "I celebrated big successes with my former equipment sponsor and I will always have fond memories. But the time has come for me to think about the future and motivate myself once again. This new wind is a real boost for me to reach my next goals – and there are plenty of them!"

Herbst is out of action for the time being due to recent shoulder surgery and has to take it easy for another month. He is aiming to come back at the end of May for new equipment tests: "In 1996, my first year with the Austrian Ski federation, I had Fischer skis, and I am now back with the Upper Austrian company in this final phase of my career. I am convinced that the complete package of skis, boots and bindings is ideal for me. More than anything I had a perfect feeling straight away with the boots – as soon as I was in them – which is something new for me. I'm sure that I can make it back to the top again with the new equipment."

Everyone at Fischer is also more than delighted about the new signing. And leading the way with praise, Fischer Racing Director Siegi Voglreiter, "Reinhard has it in him to win everything again in Slalom. He is a brilliant Slalom skier with excellent technique. I hope he will be fit again soon after his chipped shoulder bone. I like the fact that he is brimming with confidence, that's a good sign!"