94 Soldiers Support the Races
The Austrian Armed Forces began their support operation for the Hahnenkamm Races today. The recruits come from the Pontlatz barracks in Landeck and the Walgau barracks in Bludesch.
Briefings at the Hahnenkamm Races sound a little different from the usual military fare: "This is something unique. Soak up the atmosphere and enjoy it. It looks like we’re in for a week without major night operations, and I very much hope it stays that way," Chief of Race Mario Mittermayer-Weinhandl told the 94 recruits who reported for duty on Monday afternoon directly in the finish area.
The Austrian Armed Forces' mission is officially classified as a support operation for the Hahnenkamm Races. Assistance is provided wherever needed on the Streif and Ganslern slopes. The worse the weather, the more there is usually to do. If the weather holds, the Austrian Armed Forces serve as a backup that can be deployed at any section of the course. The work spectrum includes shovelling snow, installation work, repairs and securing exposed areas.
Mario Mittermayer-Weinhandl also impressed upon the young men that the Streif and the Ganslern slopes are no children’s playground: “Look after yourselves, keep an eye on one another – this is tough terrain,” he told them. Streif Piste Manager Herbert Hauser also took the opportunity to thank everyone in advance for their support. Stefan Lindner, his counterpart on the Ganslern slope, added: “I just hope the good weather lasts. Either way, we’re very much looking forward to tackling this project together.”
The 94 soldiers come from the Pontlatz Barracks in Landeck and the Walgau Barracks in Bludesch. The operation is led by Lieutenant René Hilber, who made a point of “only taking strong skiers along”. Even so, there is room for everyone: “If someone isn’t quite so confident on skis, they can still be involved – at the very least, they’ll be moving around safely with crampons.”
Enthusiasm for the assignment is clearly high among the young soldiers. “When you talk to the recruits, everyone is genuinely pleased to be part of it,” says Lieutenant René Hilber.
Photo © K.S.C./alpinguin
