For the first time, a floodlit World Cup giant slalom will take place on the Planai for Alpine athletes on January 25th! As the World Ski Association FIS and the ÖSV announced on Thursday, Schladming will take over the giant slalom from Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The World Cup races there (planned for January 28th and 29th) were canceled at the beginning of the week due to the snow conditions and the unfavorable weather forecast. On Tuesday, January 24th, Schladming organizes the slalom night race.
“I would like to thank the state of Styria, the Planai-Bahnen, the Austrian Broadcasting Corporation and the European Broadcasting Union. This would not be possible without their commitment and their flexibility and professionalism,” said ÖSV General Secretary Christian Scherer. In Garmisch, a descent for the men would have been scheduled. It is not yet clear if and where this will take place. In addition to logistics and weather concerns, there are also media law considerations. “The night slalom is one of the biggest spectacles of the year. The fact that we’re getting a second race there, a night giant slalom, is a first. I’m really looking forward to it,” said ÖSV racer Marco Schwarz. “Back then at the World Championships (2013; note) I drove as a forerunner in the giant slalom, otherwise I only know it from the slalom. It will definitely be interesting.” In its history so far, the Nightrace, which is being held for the 26th time this year, has always stood alone. Not only are there two races this year, the second is not a slalom. The start times of the two rounds are 5.45 p.m. and 8.45 p.m. respectively. “It’s a fantastically beautiful giant slalom slope,” said former athlete Hans Knauß, a true Schladminger. According to the ÖSV, the floodlight system for the upper section of the route is provided by the EBU, the Union of European Broadcasters. An ÖSV spokesman explained that they had once purchased a transportable facility for the World Cup competitions in ski jumping in Rasnov. The weather has already caused numerous cancellations and postponements in the current World Cup season. The women’s giant slalom planned in Sölden was rescheduled in Semmering shortly before the turn of the year, the men contested only one of the two planned Super-G in Lake Louise. The downhill runs in Zermatt/Cervinia, like the parallel races in Lech/Zürs, could not be carried out. A descent from Beaver Creek was moved to Val Gardena, but the Super-G could not be held there. The second women’s slalom in Zagreb was also canceled and is scheduled to be held in Spindleruv Mlyn at the end of January. The departure from Garmisch-Partenkirchen, which was also canceled, will be canceled without replacement.
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