Finally it works again with jumps and wins, and that makes Eric Frenzel and his large fanbase happy. This includes Peter Riedel from Oberwiesenthal – residents must stick together! But not only the similarities. Since Peter Riedel GmbH has beaten strong competition and received the contract to build the approach track for the renovation of the historic Fichtelbergschanze, it is to be expected that Eric Frenzel will soon be seen on a product of one of his fans before he takes off.
“I am really, really happy that the ski jumping hill in Oberwiesenthal is being rebuilt and renewed,” says the current Normal Hill World Champion of 2011, who will defend his title in Val di Fiemme in a few weeks. “Everything is getting better, the profile more modern, the track adapted to the necessities. I am really looking forward to an ice track. And a new measurement system will be integrated.” The very system that, during the New Year’s Jump in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, has now made its way into public consciousness.
The Fichtelbergschanze will continue to play an important role in the Summer Grand Prix for Nordic combined – this year the final of the summer competition could possibly be held in Oberwiesenthal – and in some places the return of the World Cup is already being discussed. Frenzel looks at it soberly. “Personally I see my home hill mainly in terms of training and youth development. I am convinced that Peter Riedel is an expert in his field and will be able to lay a great run-up track onto the hill.”
But? “But I would rather see the ‘track-in-track’ system installed and not the ‘double track’. In the latter, the jumper stands with legs wide in the tracks. But allegedly there are patent problems, which is why the ‘track-in-track’ cannot be installed.”
“It is immensely important that competent and successful athletes like Eric Frenzel contribute and calmly explain their position,” said Peter Riedel. “Our ‘double-track’ construction complies with FIS regulations, but stays at the upper limit because a winter and a summer track are placed side by side. There are, however, no patent problems regarding the ‘track-in-track’, and we would gladly supply this product. Ultimately my company will perform the work ordered by the client, the town of Oberwiesenthal.”