What a tour!

This year's start into the new year was probably one of the most exciting yet! Already while still in the old year, our teams headed to Garmisch to set the track for the New Year's Jump in competition-ready condition. The jump in Garmisch was, as expected, a complete success, and while meters and points were still being fought for there, one of our teams was already in operation at Bergisel. This time it posed a particular challenge for us. Fresh snowfalls, which for the Alpine region are even too much of a good thing, kept snow workers and helpers on their toes. The hard work should be rewarded; on race day, alongside the almost kitschy winter landscape, perfect updraft conditions prevailed. Such stable conditions are almost unusual for Bergisel! The fact that athletes were sometimes tackled by Luke Zero testifies to the top level at which they are now moving. I am especially happy for Stefan Kraft, who just found his way back on track at the WM (World Championship) hill in Innsbruck.

For us, Bischofshofen was a particularly special event. Not only is it the Tour Final, it was also the first major event on the newly installed ice track this winter. Frau Holle again proved exceptionally favorable. Due to renewed snowfall, the qualification day had to be canceled. The hill operators did a fantastic job again; after countless hours of work and an extended night shift, the Paul-Ausserleitner Ski Jump was ready to launch. The final day became a grand occasion! Practice, qualification, and scoring round — all within a few hours. In the end, we can also successfully close this chapter of the Tour and look back on successful competitions without incidents. Now we only have to wait to see how long the entry chutes in Bischofshofen will be sufficient.

Your Peter Riedel