Austrian federation bolsters support for Schladming

The Austrian Ski Federation will support future bids by Schladming to become host of the World Alpine Ski Championships until the ski resort gets the event.

SCHLADMING, Austria — The Austrian Ski Federation will support future bids by Schladming to become host of the World Alpine Ski Championships until the ski resort gets the event.
    Schladming is candidate to host the 2013 worlds after unsuccessfully bidding for the 2009 and 2011 events.
    ''Even if this third attempt also fails, we keep supporting Schladming on future bids instead of switching our attention to another Austrian site," ski federation spokesman Jo Schmid said Monday.
    ''I have not yet thought about another bid because I am convinced we will get it this time,'' organizing committee chief Hans Grogl said. ''Our site is ready for the championships as we have separate downhill courses for men and women into the same finish area, and comply with all other FIS requirements as well.''
    Other candidates for the 2013 worlds are Vail, Colorado; St. Moritz, Switzerland; and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. The site will be determined at a FIS Congress in Cape Town, South Africa, on May 29.
    Schladming, host of the 1982 worlds, is famous for its annual men's World Cup night slalom race. This year's event takes place Tuesday.

    — The Associated Press