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Ghirardi is best known as the coach of former champion Isolde Kostner and more recently of Spanish skier Carolina Ruiz Castillo.

Maze said his first job would be to improve her slalom performance in a season in which she will attempt to win the overall World Cup rankings for the second time.

"I wish to enjoy this season, but I will compete in all events...If I'm successful in all of them, I have a shot at the overall win," the 31-year-old said.

Ghirardi said he was proud to be able to work with Maze, whom he has known for many years.

"We started talking a month ago and now we are going to continue together. We're going to have a tough summer," he said.

The person in charge of equipment, Andrea Vianello, remains on the team, but another key member, physical therapist Nežka Poljanšek, has left due to family obligations.

Team leader Andrea Massi, who is also Maze's partner, planned to left the team at the end of last season but changed his mind.

"We simply did not have another solution for team leader," Massi said.

As for Ghirardi, Massi said the team hit it off in testing. "I want to have people who are driven, incredibly motivated. I hope I picked the right person."