The fans return, the snow hides the climate concerns. At the Hahnenkamm races, the focus is probably once again on sport. The Germans are threatened with supporting roles in the ski spectacle.
The small booths, stages and tents in the city center symbolize both the return to normal and the state of emergency. The alpine world cups on the Streif and the Ganslernhang are the highlights of the year in Kitzbühel.
Thousands of people usually line the streets of the Tyrolean ski resort. After two years of corona-related restrictions and a spooky atmosphere, Kitzbühel is ready for the big break again this time.
The snow that has been added over the past few days provides the right setting. At least temporarily, it covers up the climate concerns that have been accompanying winter sports for years and are currently particularly so. It seems as if sport is once again the focus of the spectacle at the famous Hahnenkamm races.
Prize money of one million euros awaits
The Streif is “always an experience,” said former ski racer and Olympic champion Maria Höfl-Riesch, who is one of the many prominent guests, to ORF. Mousetrap, carousel, larch shot, local mountain edge – the key points of the legendary route are known to every sports fan. The athletes reach top speeds of 140 km/h when they race down the slope on Friday and Saturday. The maximum gradient is 85 percent, the jumps go up to 80 meters.
Anyone who wins here achieves hero status – and makes a good cash register. A prize money of one million euros will be distributed over the entire weekend. The winners of the two downhill runs and the slalom on Sunday will each receive 100,000 euros. And are celebrated by the crowd.
Climate discussion does not play a major role
In 2021, due to the pandemic, none were allowed at all, in 2022 only 1000 spectators were allowed on the track per race day. This time it’s going to be full again in the finish area. A maximum of 25,000 tickets will be sold per race, but numerous VIP and guests of honor should ensure a good atmosphere. “The atmosphere is important,” said national coach Christian Schwaiger of the German Press Agency full of anticipation. “Our sport thrives on it.”
Above all, he lives from the snow. And there was enough of that in Kitzbühel, unlike many other World Cup locations in the course of the season so far, since the night from Tuesday to Wednesday. In general, climate change also poses major challenges for the organizers of the world’s most famous downhill races.
“It cost us a lot of nerves. But the weather issue has been around since the Hahnenkamm races. It’s a never-ending story,” said the President of the Kitzbühel Ski Club, Michael Huber, the “Standard” recently. It was a bit foggy today. However, the sub-zero temperatures expected for the racing days should do the piste good – and push the omnipresent climate discussion a bit to the sidelines.
Favorites come from Norway and Switzerland
The German speed men will probably also play supporting roles. Before the highlights of the season in Kitzbühel and at the World Cup in France in two and a half weeks, they are in crisis. “We have to drive technically clean and move more to the limit again,” said Coach Schwaiger. “We definitely have other aspirations than finishing 15th, 20th or 30th.”
In Gröden, Bormio and Wengen, Romed Baumann and Andreas Sander, who came second in the World Championships, had recently disappointed and clearly missed the top ten. But it’s probably not the material, said Schwaiger. “I think we have to take responsibility for ourselves.”
The 54-year-old sees his draft horse Thomas Dreßen, 2018 winner on the Streif, “on the right track”. Here and there the best German speed driver still lacks the last bit of self-confidence. After all the health setbacks and breaks in racing that Dreßen had to cope with, that was normal. For the 29-year-old himself, it’s all about rediscovering the fun of skiing.
Favorites are others: Norwegian Aleksander Aamodt Kilde, who has been outstanding so far this winter, and Swiss Olympic champion Beat Feuz, for example. The duo won last year – at that time without the big party.
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
