Bad Kleinkirchheim downhill canceled due to violent wind storm

BAD KLEINKIRCHHEIM, Austria – After two good training runs, the fourth downhill race of the season was unfortunately canceled on Saturday morning due to violent winds over the Carinthia region.

Banners, safety nets, tents and even some TV commentator booths got blown away, giving the organizers and FIS race directors no choice but to cancel the race. As forecast, wind came in overnight after rain and rising temperatures with the Foehn effect of the wind. The hill looked entirely different this morning from yesterday.

“We need a couple of more hours to have a general overview of what got damaged and what has to be rebuilt and fixed,” said FIS Race Director Atle Skaardal. “The organising committee is really motivated and will work hard the whole day to bring back the hill and the finish area facilities in shape for tomorrow.”

The forecast for the next 24 hours for now looks more favorable, and officials have confirmed that the super G will start at 11 a.m. CET as scheduled.

“The wind should be decreasing from now on until tomorrow around noon and then pick up again. So hopefully this will leave us a chance to run the event by then,” concluded Skaardal.

Release courtesy of FIS