Atmosphere and audience were
decisive for Klingenthal
For many it came as a surprise, that the 2013/14
World Cup season starts in Germany and not, as usual,
in the far north of Europe. But the officials of
the FIS were already thinking about carrying out
the opening weekend somewhere else for a while.
"Actually the idea to start the season in central
Europe was on our minds for some time. Decisive
for the implementation were the experiences we gained
in Sochi. With technological support we were able
to prepare the hill with temperatures above zero.
This offered us the chance to think about it and
look for the right organizer", explained race
director Walter Hofer.
Klingenthal seized the opportunity, issued an application
and was selected to host the opening. "If you
consider all factors, like the atmosphere and the
audience, we thought about this venue relatively
soon, because the organizers have already proven
in the past that they can carry out a World Cup
under difficult conditions, but never had a chance
to host a weekend event. We wanted to use this chance.
If we are able to establish something that is viable
in the medium term we would be very happy."
Although there are no major changes concerning the
rules this season that athletes and fans will have
to get used to, there's one innovation that will
especially be of interest to the fans attending
an event. "What's new, and that is especially
important for the spectators at the hill, is that
they will see a line that indicates how far an athlete
has to jump in order to take the lead", said
Hofer. Also the athletes themselves will get an
orientation from this line that is projected on
the landing area. "Of course we also asked
the jumpers. They would be happy if they could see
the distance they have to reach. Technology will
show if we can do that."
