Zoned in at the start

Each and every movement, glance and word is crucial during the seconds before the start. While the athletes zone in on the Streif, Ernst Pirnbacher ensures order and safety in the background. As Start Judge, he is the final steadying factor for the racers before they bolt down the starting slope.

Each and every movement, glance and word is crucial during the seconds before the start. While the athletes zone in on the Streif, Ernst Pirnbacher ensures order and safety in the background. As Start Judge, he is the final steadying factor for the racers before they bolt down the starting slope.

‘I'm the last person the racers see,’ says Ernst Pirnbacher – and he doesn't mean it as dramatically as it sounds. But it's true. He has been the Start Judge at the Hahnenkamm Races for ten years, and before the athletes push off at the start house and focus on the Mausefalle, Ernst Pirnbacher is the last person they encounter. At least for some of them: ‘Some are so focused that they don't even notice me.’ Others, however, show no signs of tension and even high-five ‘Ernst the Start Judge’. So who has the audacity to do so? The 38-year-old from St. Ulrich am Pillersee prefers to remain discreet when it comes to names.

Twenty years ago, at the age of 18, he experienced his first Hahnenkamm Races as a participant. Just one year after debuting as Gate Judge, he became a ‘Start Steward’, learning his craft from unforgettable Fips Pischl. While the Start Steward is entirely dedicated to timekeeping, the Start Judge is the eye of the Jury. ‘I monitor inspection times before the Races and interrupt the start if a skier falls or a gate pole needs to be replaced.’ Then the ‘Start stop!’ command is given.

In such moments, he may have to physically restrain an athlete who is ready to race. Once the start is cleared again, Ernst Pirnbacher discusses with the skier and coach when the skier feels ready to go again: ‘We clarify how long the skier needs to refocus. It's an extremely stressful situation when you're seconds away from the start and all of a sudden I stop you.’

He is no less focused than the athletes. His ears are constantly tuned to two different radio frequencies – the jury and work radio – while his eyes are on the next athlete. Despite his exclusive position – Ernst Pirnbacher is Start Judge for the Downhill, Super-G and Slalom – he hasn't seen the outcome of a live race in 20 years. ‘In the end, I know who won, but nothing else.’ He catches up on that later in the evening after returning home to where his two daughters and wife are waiting and he can watch a recap of the Races on TV.

Photo © K.S.C./Jürgen Klecha, KSC/alpinguin