Sports Technology
8,200 km to the construction site: “newcomers” are Olympic jumps!
Outline: RASCHAU/SAPPORO, October 1, 2013 – Two of the most prominent ski jumping hills in Japan are named Ōkurayama and Miyanomori – they are the normal and large hill on which the 1972 Olympic champions were determined.
RSS/ROMS: RASCHAU/SAPPORO, October 1, 2013 – Two of the most prominent ski jumping hills in Japan are named Ōkurayama and Miyanomori – they are the normal and large hill on which the 1972 Olympic champions were determined. These were, correctly: Yukio Kasaya from Japan and Wojciech Fortuna from Poland. Since then more than 40 years have passed, but for the FIS World Cup ski jumping, Sapporo is a fixed feature; also, the Nordic World Ski Championships 2007, the first in Asia ever, were held on the northernmost island of Japan, Hokkaido.
“There is so much tradition and history behind Sapporo that it gives me goosebumps every time I think of these sites,” says Peter Riedel. Recently it was officially announced that his company, Peter Riedel GmbH, together with its Japanese business partners, won the bid to occupy the starting lanes. “That makes me incredibly happy – to be allowed to work on, shape and renew Olympic hills is an honor for the work I have done so far,” explains Riedel.
Over 8,200 kilometers separate Raschau-Markersbach in Saxony from Sapporo – it is, therefore, the farthest construction site of his company. “Daily commuting back and forth isn’t feasible,” the managing director quips.
Riedel’s connections to the Japanese ski jumping scene are strong and close at all levels. He is frequently on site himself to get a feel for the situation in Sapporo. The connections to the Japanese Ski Federation are excellent. Logistically, Japanese athletes who come to Europe for training are supported, for example in Hinzenbach, another “Riedel Spur” hill, preparing for upcoming competitions. Peter Riedel’s company has already worked in Hanawa and Zao.
“In Sapporo we install the best from our house that is on the market,” explains Riedel. “Our Japanese friends were particularly impressed by the porcelain bobbles in the summer spur – these are indeed unbeatable, because this material creates the least friction between the starting lane and the skis.”
Two of the most prominent ski jumps in Japan thus receive a valuable revival, shaped by a brass-smith’s company from the Ore Mountains. Sapporo is preparing for new tasks, for more World Cup jumps, and, who knows, future large events.