To say the Kitzbuehel Hahnenkamm is an important event to Austrians is an understatement. The crowds and atmosphere are as legendary as the course and its champions. To an Austrian alpine ski racing coach leading a group of Kitzbuehel first-timers, this week's Hahnenkamm is an experience of a whole different nature.
“It's something special coming here at Kitzbuehel – whether you're a coach, a multimark, or a racer, it's totally different from any other World Cup race,” said Burkhard Schaffer, the Canadian Alpine Ski Team's men's head coach, who hails from Sheifling, Austria.
And three young Canadian alpine racers managed to pull out impressive results in their first go-round on the course on Wednesday in the downhill training run.
Vincent Lavoie, of Cap Rouge, Quebec, posted the fastest Canadian training time, finishing 28th in one minute, 51.17 seconds. “I was nervous but I'm happy just to get it over with,” said the 26-year-old Lavoie of his first trip down the famed course.
On his heels was 24-year-old teammate David Anderson of Rossland, BC, who has competed on the course only once back in 2001. Anderson also finished in the top-30, placing 29th in 1:51.31.
Whistler's Jeff Hume, 24, who is competing in his first full season on the World Cup circuit, had bad light for the first 20 seconds of his run, and went on to have the 10th-fastest time in the bottom section of the course to end up 37th with a time o 1:51.77.
“I have to say I have a lot of respect for what they did today in their first time here,” said Schaffer, who is not traditionally known for publicly praising his athletes. “They looked comfortable on their skis, and I enjoyed watching them ski today.”
Canada built a tradition of excellence at the Hahnenkamm in the 1980s when, for four consecutive seasons, the downhill title was bestowed upon a Canuck – beginning with Ken Read in 1980, Steve Podborski in 1981 and 1982, and Todd Brooker in 1983.
“There are always things to improve. For sure I would like more from the guys and would like to see them up there, but it's not going to happen in their first year,” said Schaffer of this year's Canadian contingent. “But anything can happen – good or bad – at Kitzbuehel.”
Part of the infamy surrounding the Hahnenkamm is, unfortunately, spectacular crashes. They, along with the throngs of fans, the free-flowing libation, and the awesome race action are what make the event so special to ski racing fans, especially Austrians.
“This is by far the biggest event for Austrians. When the race goes on TV tomorrow, I guarantee all Austrians will stop working for one hour to watch,” said Schaffer. “When I was in school, all the students would get together to watch ski racing – not just Kitzbuehel, but all of the races. All winter, our classes would stop for one hour so we could watch when the men and women race on TV.”
Although the first of two downhill races scheduled for Kitzbuehel will get underway on Thursday, Canadians will have to patiently wait for Saturday's downhill before they can watch on TV. It will be broadcast by CBC Sports.
Top 10:
1. (15) Stephan Eberharter, AUT, 1:48.93; 2. (14) Michael Walchhofer, AUT, 1:49.16; 3. (41) Claude Cretier, FRA, 1:49.34; 4. (11) Didier Cuche, SUI, 1:49.38; 5. (26) Kristian Ghedina, ITA, 1:49.63; 6. (23) Hannes Trinkl, AUT,1:49.69; 7. (2) Patrik Jaerbyn, SWE, 1:49.70; 8. (5) Didier Defago, SUI, 1:49.73; 9. (16) Lasse Kjus, NOR, 1:49.85; 10. (42) Paul Accola, SUI, 1:49.96.
Canadians:
28. (51) Vincent Lavoie, Cap Rouge, Que., 1:51.17
29. (46) David Anderson, Rossland, BC, 1:51.31
37. (55) Jeff Hume, Whistler, BC, 1:51.77