Physical Power and Passion
Events took a busier turn along the Streif on 2nd January. The piste and safety teams got to work, while two snowcat drivers from Bergbahn Kitzbühel shaped the slope, moving snow to where it was most needed.
While many winter sports enthusiasts were still enjoying the holiday season and carving carefree turns on the slopes around the Hahnenkamm, intensive preparations for the two speed races on 23rd and 24th January began on the Streif at the turn of the year. Despite outside temperatures of minus 5 degrees, it didn’t take long for the safety team to work up a sweat as they dug out the ground cable at the Mausefalle section. Shovelling snow is hard enough on flat terrain, but on slopes with gradients of up to 85 per cent, it quickly becomes back-breaking labour. The cable is uncovered first, then used to attach the A-nets with carabiners. Together with sliding tarpaulins, this safety setup is designed to provide athletes with optimal protection.
The safety team consisted of 25 people on Friday, Daniel being one of them: “We really look forward to being able to start work on 2nd January. Every task has its own appeal, and it’s great to finally get together again with lots of friends you don’t see that often during the year.” There’s still plenty to do before the first training session takes place, currently scheduled for 20th January. Tasks include the transport and installation of some 17 kilometres of safety netting, 180 impact protection mats, and 155 air cushions. Jakob, amongst others, plays a key role here with his Ski-Doo, racing up and down the Hahnenkamm all day long. “From pickaxes and shovels to nets, tarpaulins, hoses and water cannons – we bring everything to where it’s needed. Up to four Ski-Doos are in use at any one time.” As demanding as the task may be on steep terrain, cooperation and teamwork are paramount for Jakob.
Johann from the Steilhang piste team sees things in much the same way. He has been working at the Hahnenkamm Races for almost a quarter of a century. Asked whether he has a favourite task in this awe-inspiring section of the Streif, he laughs: “It doesn’t matter – I like everything associated with this job.” On Friday morning, for example, he secured the approach to the Steilhang section and installed fencing, while a snowcat driver shifted snow into position. The same scene could be observed below the Hausbergkante, where snow depots created by Bergbahn Kitzbühel were being distributed over the slope.
Three weeks before the first race, the mood along the entire racecourse is buoyant – no matter how steep or physically demanding the work may be: “Ski racing is our passion, and that’s why we’re delighted to be part of it every single year,” says Johann.
Tickets for the races are available via the online shop. Admission to the training days and Juniors Race on 21st January at the Ganslern is free.
Photo © K.S.C./alpinguin
