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When ski fans had to digest the cancellation of the Lauberhorn races at Wengen, corrective measures came faster than expected yesterday. Kitzbühel takes over two of the three competitions and is therefore the center of the ski world a week ahead of schedule. The Wengen Slalom will take place in Ganslernhang on Saturday, before the Hahnenkamm Slalom is on Sunday’s program. Next week there will be a downhill race on Friday (as a replacement race for Wengen) and one on Saturday at the Streif, as well as the Super-G on Sunday.
After another spike in the number of corona infections, Bern’s health department halted Lauberhorn’s racing on Monday. On Sunday, the Bern canton authorities had given the green light to the traditional event after some comings and goings.
The reason for the current withdrawal was that the situation of the crown had worsened again overnight. The most contagious variant of the virus introduced via British tourists is said to be responsible for this significant increase. “The canton is concerned about the dynamics in which the virus is spreading,” said the press release from the health department.
The Wengen organizers benefit from the fact that the insurance, which is valid until 2021, covers cancellation of races due to a pandemic. The financial consequences are manageable.
“In such an exceptional situation, courageous decisions are needed. I am very sorry for Switzerland, but based on the good cooperation with Swiss Ski and our reliable partners in Austria, we were able to make this far-reaching decision,” said Peter Schröcksnadel, President of ÖSV to take over the competitions.
FIS race director Markus Waldner spoke of a “very difficult” season. He especially thanked the ÖSV and the Kitzbüheler Ski Club. “Making and implementing decisions at short notice is unique to Austria and Kitzbühel.”
New program for the long Kitzbühel World Cup: Saturday 16 January: Slalom (Wengen substitution / times still open) Sunday 17 January: Hahnenkamm Slalom (10.15am / 1.15pm); Tuesday, January 19: 1st downhill training; Wednesday January 20: 2nd training session; Thursday, January 21: 3rd training session; Friday January 22: Departure (Wengen’s replacement / 11.30 am); Saturday 23 January: descent of Hahnenkamm (11:30 am); Sunday, January 24: Super-G (hours still open).
