Release from 30.01.2020
Men’s Downhill on February 13th and Men’s Super-G on February 14th 2020
Now it’s official: Saalbach is once again stepping in as a substitute for a FIS race. December 2018 was the last time they provided a replacement-location for the canceled races from Val d’ Isere and Sölden. They made the seemingly impossible possible and set up two races in only 6 weeks. On this occasion the time frame is even smaller – two weeks is all the organisation team got to set up the two World Cup races that have been canceled in China due to the coronavirus.
It’s been discussed on media for a couple of days already, where the cancelled World Cup races from China should go down. The ÖSV and the FIS made their decision on Thursday evening and Saalbach with it’s racing experience was ready for the really short-term challenge. The biggest issue will be finding accommodation for the 1.000 people that need to be lodged in the area during peak season.
Wolfgang Breitfuß, Director of the local Tourist Board:
„Organizing a major event during the peak travel season is a massive challenge, the last days snowfall led to additonal bookings. With a more than 97% occupancy in Saalbach, there aren’t many rooms left available to book in the teams. We asked for support in the surrounding regions and will now be able to solve the problem with some realistic compromises.“
Alois Hasenauer, Mayor and President of the organising commitee:
„In 2018 we made it in six weeks, just two weeks of preparation time is an even more special challenge. We however know that we can make this World Cup Races happen in the best way possible. The machinery behind this major event is already in full swing. Our teams in the tourism board, the lift company, the municipality and the ski club know exactly what to do and perform a logistical masterpiece here.“
Peter Mitterer, Managing Director of the Hinterglemm Lift Company:
“Since the construction of the 12er Kogel lift we have been ready for major ski races like never before. The race office was integrated directly into the valley station, commentator boxes can go up on the stations roof and even the press center finds space in the new facility. We are confident that we will be able to set up a perfect race in such a short time and see it as a good omen for the World Championships 2025 candidacy.“
Bartl Gensbichler, president of Salzburg’s provincial skiing association and chairman of the Schiclub Saalbach Hinterglemm:
„We all know what we have to do! Even if the reason is a sad one we are really pleased that we can host the Men’s Downhill race and the Super-G race. We are happy that we can offer the athletes and the sport itself a stage and the chance to run the races.“
The Men’s Downhill Race will go down on February 13th, the Men’s Super-G on February 14th 2020. The European Cup will be postponed to march. (March, 15th to March, 19th 2020).
saalbach.com/skiworldcup