Official Kitzbühel welcome hosted by the State of Tyrol

The traditional overture to the 85th Hahnenkamm Races was provided by the State of Tyrol, Ski Austria and Kitzbühel Ski Club, who hosted a welcome reception to once again emphasise the importance of the Hahnenkamm Races for the State of Tyrol.

It has become a tradition for leading figures from the worlds of politics, business, sport, security services and tourism to gather in Kitzbühel on Thursday evening for the official start of the Hahnenkamm Races at the behest of Governor Anton Mattle, together with Ski Austria and President Roswitha Stadlober, as well as Kitzbühel Ski Club and its President, Michael Huber. In addition to the members of the provincial government and state parliament, more than 100 other invited guests attended the event at the ‘Goldene Gams’. The festivities were ceremoniously accompanied by the Kitzbühel town band, Kitzbühel’s Home Guard and flag delegations from traditional Tyrolean associations.

“The special allure of skiing and Tyrol as a sports and tourism destination will be particularly evident again this weekend. Impressive images that evoke strong emotions. It will bring me the greatest pleasure to see this zest for life broadcast around the globe again over the coming days, as we witness outstanding sporting performances,“ emphasises State Governor, Anton Mattle. 

Philip Wohlgemuth, regional government representative for sports and deputy governor, adds: “The sporting achievements of the athletes this weekend commands my utmost respect – as well as that of the many spectators on site and in front of the TV screens. What we are experiencing here is literally the tip of the iceberg. Behind the impressive racing performances lies not only courage and passion, but discipline, hard work and enormous stamina. These are exactly the qualities needed to compete in Kitzbühel. At the same time, this spectacular event would not be possible without the work of countless people in the background.”

The Governor himself skied the Streif in the afternoon. He thanked the many helpers and staff along the route, from the Start House to the Finish Area, in the Race Office and via radio message. “On race days, around 1,500 people are involved. I would like to express my sincere thanks to all of them for making the Hahnenkamm Races the unique event they are. Special thanks and congratulations go to Kitzbühel Ski Club, the organising team, the town of Kitzbühel and the Kitzbühel cable car company,” said Anton Mattle respectfully.