Schanzenproblem in Pöhla: We Erzgebirgler stick together!

With FIS inspections, it’s one of those things. To put it like Tom Hanks would say - You never know what you’re going to get. That’s how it happened last week when FIS officials finally showed up in Pöhla and examined the facility inside out as part of an extension of the FIS – hill jumping certificate.

On the facility in Pöhla, which is not even two kilometers and thus only a stone’s throw from my home, various FIS Cups and Alpencups have been held for years. They are the only international ski jumping events in the entire region, thus they hold a correspondingly high status in the Schwarzenberg region. It is all the more delicate that during the inspection of the facility, due to its age, some weaknesses were noted. Two of them are surely safety-relevant and must be remedied immediately – but no later than before the next FIS competitions.

It’s just unfortunate that an FIS Cup is already planned for August 10! The officials were also shocked when they studied the list of deficiencies that must be addressed by then!

Among other things, some ramp elements of the old approach track no longer meet the required minimum sidewall height of 3 centimeters. Furthermore, the carpet in the safety area to the left and right of the track must be completely replaced, too old to guarantee safe jump operation.

Track and carpet renewal in not even 10 days - that sounds like an almost impossible undertaking! City of Schwarzenberg, those responsible at SV Fortuna Pöhla, and yours truly immediately sat down and drew up a battle plan. A plan that is time-wise challenging. But that’s what distinguishes us Erzgebirgers! When action is needed and help is required, we stand ready - it’s a matter of honor in our region!

Me and my team promptly postponed another project by one month and immediately started production and construction of the new track. At the same time, the SV Pöhla crew worked day and night to completely renew the dilapidated track foundation. With the support of the city of Schwarzenberg, we are now on the best path to complete all renovation measures by Friday. If that isn’t living teamwork!

In conclusion I can say: a really great project where all partners pull in the same direction and thus hopefully make the FIS Cup in Pöhla next week a big success! Next time, with a little less stress :-)

Yours, Peter Riedel