A hive of activity along the (almost) race ready Streif
The (almost) race ready Streif is in a state of calm, but there is still much fine-tuning to be done in many sections. Reserve start gates are being built and a new, though not unfamiliar, Start House for the Super-G.
On Thursday, Kitzbühel exhibited two very different sides to its personality until late afternoon: its more sombre nature was apparent down in the valley, which was shrouded in a dense layer of fog. Its paradisical disposition, however, was on display up on the mountain. The valley below the Seidlalm was swathed in stubborn sea of fog, while winter sports enthusiasts and Hahnenkamm staff basked in sunshine with bright blue skies. Streif Slope Manager, Herbert Hauser, also appeared more relaxed: “Everything is actually perfect, and the weather forecast for the next few days is also very encouraging. But we all know that the weather can change within only a few hours up here on the mountain.”
Only minor details are being worked on the (almost) race-ready slope at the moment. Work has begun, for example, on setting up the reserve start gates, of which there are a few: the first just above the Mausefalle section, another at the Karussell Curve and one at the approach to the Alte Schneise. In 2015, the race was delayed due to dense fog and could only be started from the Seidlalm jump. Kjetil Jansrud won the Downhill then in a record time of 58.16 seconds!
Construction of the Super-G Start House requires a little more effort. Hardcore fans of the Hahnenkamm Races will immediately recognise the similarities in architecture because it is the same design as the Ganslernhang Start House. Having been familiar with this elegant black structure for years, the Slalom Team is currently helping with its construction on the Super-G slope.
On Thursday, staff working in the Lärchenschuss section were the ones who needed to watch their step. Whether they were members of the air-fence department, fence fitters or Ski-Doo drivers, everyone had restricted visibility due to the fog. Meanwhile, various TV and film crews have commenced routine filming along the Streif. Daron Rahlves, Fritz Strobl and singer Melissa Naschenweng have already been spotted.
The Carinthian skier is guiding his female compatriot through the key racecourse sections for the Servus TV channel. This special tour can be seen on Monday at 21.15 hrs in “Sport und Talk” live from the Seidlalm. The day before, Karoline Rath-Zobernig will be reporting live from the Start House (ORF 1, 18 hrs), followed immediately by a documentary, “The Art of the Hahnenkamm Races, ” which introduces the Tyrolean artist responsible for this year’s poster design, Golif.
(All TV programmes mentioned are in the German language).
Photo © K.S.C.alpinguin
