Alpine Skiing
STEEP: Winning the scariest race in the world
Hannes Reichelt on the one and only challenge of Hahnenkamm – making it down alive.
Hannes Reichelt
© Agence Zoom
When it comes to steep, gnarly ski racing descents, there is no comparison to the infamous Hahnenkamm race in Kitzbühel.
What does it take to make it down alive?
First off, some facts: The world famous downhill course known as the 'Streif' sports a vertical drop of 863 metres (2831 ft) on its 3.3km length. The steepest section with no less than 85% incline at the so-called Mausefalle (mouse trap) makes racers often jump as far as 80m (262 ft)! And in the final stretch, the racers’ speed can exceed 140km/h (87mph).
The Streif is mind-blowing, featuring highly technical, 'fall-away' turns, many with limited visibility. Set on the north face of the mountain, it also contains gliding sections, several of which are preceeded by difficult turns, and often challenging flat light conditions. The Streif is the stuff of skiing myths around the world, and to see the event live defies belief.
Hannes Reichelt
© Agence Zoom
Last January, Austrian Hannes Reichelt crowned his career by winning the 74th Hahnenkamm downhill race: Despite severe back pain, Reichelt delivered an almost perfect run to beat Norwegian uber-skier Aksel Lund Svindal by 0.21sec and American star Bode Miller by 0.34 sec. Reichelt's win caused caused tumolteous joy of the crowds: No Austrian had won the legendary race since 2006.
Some exclusive insights from last year's winner, Hannes Reichelt, about the scariest race in the world:
What do you recall of that day?
I remember having heavy pains and being undecided whether to even start.
I was just relieved to make it down in one piece.
At the finish, it felt unbelievable to be cheered on by thousands and thousands of fans.
Hannes Reichelt
© Agence Zoom
What did you tell yourself at the start gate?
Hannes, make no mistakes. Give it ‘only’ 100% and don’t take too many risks.
Why is the Hahnenkamm such a myth?
The course has several very difficult and technically challenging sections. The numerous crashes in the past decades contribute to the myth.
What would you say is the optimal combination of technical skiing ability and guts on the Hahnenkamm downhill?
I think it is 50 percent technical ability, 20 percent equipment, and 30 percent mental strength and risk-taking.
Hannes Reichelt
© Agence Zoom
Unfortunately, emergency back surgery ended Reichelt’s ski season prematurely just after the Kitzbühel weekend. A few weeks later, he was back on the Streif for the unveiling of his personal gondola.
I have dreamt of having my own Hahnenkamm gondola since I first rode that lift up. I am extremely honoured to have my name there now among the great legends of skiing.
Reichelt agrees that the Streif also looks steep in the summer, but does not compare with the winter version which is prepared bullet proof like an ice rink and hence even more difficult and awe inspiring. Yet he still prefers to ski down the infamous course rather than climbing or hiking it up!
Stay tuned for the 75th edition of the awe-inspiring Hahnenkamm Races from 20th-25th January 2015.
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