This year's start into the new year was probably one of the most exciting! Already in late December 2018, our teams went to Garmisch, in order to put the track in competition-ready conditions for the New Year's Jumping. The competition in Garmisch was a great success and while the athletes still were fighting for meters and points, our team was already on the way to the Bergisel. And the hill in Innsbruck put us on a special test this time. New snowfalls, which were already too much also for the alpine region, kept workers and helpers busy during days and nights. But the hard work paid off, on the competition day there were perfect headwind conditions. Such stable conditions are almost uncommon for the Bergisel! The fact that the athletes were partly starting from gate zero shows, at what high level they compete. I am particularly happy for Stefan Kraft, who has just found his way back in the track at the Bergisel.

Bischofshofen was a special event for us. Not only is it the tour final, it was also the first big event on the newly installed ice track in winter. Again, heavy snowfalls kept the whole crew moving, the qualifying day had to be canceled. Nevertheless the jumping hill operator did a tremendous job, after countless working hours and an extensive night shift, the Paul-Außerleitner hill was ready to jump. So the final day became a big fight day! Training, qualification and competition - all within a few hours. In the end, we can successfully close this tour chapter and look back on successful competitions without incidents. Let’s see how long the gates in Bischofshofen will be sufficient.

Yours sincerely,

Peter Riedel