Congratulations to Denifl, and now it’s RAW!

The past days and weeks have been marked for Peter Riedel by new orders on the one hand (but that’s for another time) and on the other hand the Olympic Winter Games 2018 in PyeongChang. 'I’m not just a planner and an architect, I am first and foremost a sports enthusiast, yes, a sports fanatic.' For this reason I followed as many decisions from Asia live on television as possible, Riedel explains. He was especially pleased with the successes of his close compatriot Eric Frenzel in Nordic Combined, with Olympic gold by Andreas Wellinger from the normal hill, and with the medal of the Austrian Wilhelm Denifl. 'My company is a sponsor of Denifl, and his third place in the team Nordic Combined, earned in the twilight of his career, is not only outstanding for him but also a symbol of my own mentality: never give up, always work hard on yourself, and trust the team you surround yourself with to celebrate successes together. Therefore, heartfelt congratulations, Willi!'

But the Olympic Winter Games are over, time is fast-moving and the next ski jumping highlights are already just around the corner! For the second time (after 2017) the RAW AIR series will be held in March in Norway, jumping will almost exclusively take place on 'Riedel Hills': March 9–11 in Oslo at Holmenkollen, March 14–15 in Trondheim and March 16–18 at the Vikersund ski flying hill. (There is also competition in Lillehammer on March 12–13.)

'The most extreme and intense Ski Jumping Tournament in the World' is what the series’ website proclaims, and Peter Riedel can only share the superlative. 'From March 9 to 18, there is jumping every day without a single break, and all attempts by an athlete, whether qualification, individual, or team jumps, count toward the overall score. That’s a total of 16 jumps, crazy!' Yet not only the athletes, but also the organizers and especially the Riedel team themselves face demanding days and logistical challenges. If jumping occurs at one venue, then—no: it must!—everything for the kings of the skies must be prepared at the next one as well.

The series winner receives, in addition to daily prizes, 60,000 euros, and it is a matter of opinion whether that is too much, too little, or performance-based. Riedel remains reserved. 'I am not the lawyer or the union representative of the athletes. My task is to ensure conditions on the track that guarantee a safe and fair competition—from the first to the last starter! Everyone should have the opportunity to reach out for the winner’s cheque.'

Riedel himself will be on site in Norway to turn words into actions with his team. 'Our track systems are now on almost 60 jumps worldwide, and we want to continuously improve the technology. This requires not only ensuring the best conditions in the present but also staying in exchange with skiers, organizers, and associations. Be there to know, then!'