The Eagles began their training camp on Thursday when they touched down in Austria. The emphasis has been on fitness primarily with the Palace squad taking part in three training sessions per day. Palace Assistant Manager, Keith Millen described how the squad have been put through their paces, 'In the morning session they've either been running or biking up hills, it's been really tough'.
The squad of the players have looked unrecognisable at times with the return of loan players Jack Hunt, Jose Campana, Jonny Williams and Stephen Dobbie along with the inclusion of development players Hiram Boateng, Jerome Williams and Jake Gray.
Palace finished off their pre-season altitude camp in style as they ran out 13-1 eventual winners over Austrian side GAK Graz.
Joe Ledley opened the Eagles account after just 4 minutes before Bolasie scored from the penalty spot. A quick double from Glen Murray and another from Jerome Thomas made it 5 before half-time.
The hosts then grabbed one back against the run of play shortly into the second half to make the score 5-1. A quick fire hat-trick from the returning Stephen Dobbie and goals from Jake Gray, Marouane Chamakh and Jonny Williams took the score to 11-1 before Dobbie and Williams both added one each to complete the rout.
Palace will now head to the United States where they will face Columbus Crew, Philadelphia Union and Richmond Kickers. The Eagles then return to England where an away fixture against Brentford will complete what has been a busy pre-season.
Palace first half: Hennessey, Mariappa, Dann, Delaney, Jerome Williams, Bolasie, Bannan, Ledley, Thomas, Murray, Gayle.
Palace second half: Kettings/Speroni, Ramage, McCarthy, Boateng, O’Keefe, Campana, Gray, Jonny Williams, Dobbie, Chamakh.