The 72nd Hahnenkamm Races are over. What remains are memories of an extraordinary event that aroused many emotions. Weather conditions imposed testing times on the Organizers, athletes thrilled spectators with some enthralling performances. In retrospect, the Organizers, Kitzbühel Ski Club would like to take this opportunity to express their thanks and congratulations.

• THANK YOU to the world’s best ski athletes and their teams of trainers, coaches, service staff, physiotherapists and team doctors for their efforts and commitment. CONGRATULATIONS to all winners and runners up.
• THANK YOU to the many loyal fans and guests of honour, as well as the millions of television viewers around the world for their interest in and enthusiasm for the races.
• THANK YOU to all members and supporters of the Organizing Committee for their tireless and unparalleled efforts, for the solidarity and co-operation amongst all working groups within the Organization, offices, stadium and infrastructure and, in particular, all those who worked so hard on the Streif and Ganslern Slopes, managing to make the impossible possible. 
• THANK YOU to the international media representatives for their reports on the events from Kitzbühel in word and picture, all radio and television stations, especially our host broadcaster, ORF, for their exciting TV production.
• THANK YOU to all sponsors and marketing partners for their financial support which enabled the 72nd Hahnenkamm Races to take place.
• THANK YOU to the event venue’s landowners, the cable car and ski slope operators and other ARGE Consortium partners from Kitzbühel Town and Tourism.

Even though weather conditions prevented the Super-G from taking place and the Downhill course had to be shortened in the upper section because of visibility and wind problems, the joy and satisfaction felt by the Organizers K.S.C. in having successfully hosted the races far outweighs any troubles encountered. Now it is time to clean up and start work again – in preparation for the 73^rd Hahnenkamm Races from the 25^th to 27^th January 2013. We’re already looking forward to them!

The slope teams, in particular, have done an excellent job over the last few days in order to prepare the Streif and Ganslern slopes in time for the Races.  About 300 volunteers worked in spite of snow, rain and storms, thus making the Races possible. Countless members of the Red Cross and mountain rescue teams add to the list of people who were on duty 24 hours a day.

After two successful training sessions, the Jury decided to cancel the Super G scheduled for Friday, in order to preserve the race course for Saturday’s Downhill. In the end the Downhill, which was witnessed by a crowd of 30,000 enthusiastic ski fans, took place on a shortened course. Sunday’s Slalom on the Ganslern Slope was followed by 18,000 ski aficionados. 

Sporting, economic and media rarity

Despite the many social highlights this week, the focal point was primarily on performances delivered by the alpine athletes. For example, the best young skiers from seven nations were given the opportunity on Wednesday to showcase their talents at the „Hahnenkamm Juniors Race“ in memory of Toni Sailer. Social responsibility was also on the agenda: For the umpteenth time, Harti Weirather invited prominent guests to take part in the „KitzCharityTrophy“ after the Downhill Race, which generated € 130,000 Euro for needy Tyrolean farming families. 

The economic value of the Hahnenkamm Races is enormous and benefits the entire region. The event generates a turnover of 35 million Euros in Kitzbühel alone. The region also benefits from being in the global media spotlight. About 500 journalists were here to report live from the Hahnenkamm Races. 

The shuttle service provided by the ÖBB (Austrian Rail) was very well received again this year. Thousands of ski fans took advantage of this free service and left their cars at home or at one of the free outer lying car parks, from where they were transported in 15 minute intervals direct to the finishing arena of the Hahnenkamm Races.

The Kitzbühel Ski Club, organizer of the Hahnenkamm Races, would like to take this opportunity to thank all those involved and is already looking forward to next year’s races.

„Things haven’t been going very well for me this year, so it’s a good feeling to stand on the podium here in Kitzbühel again. I hope that this success gives me new motivation for the remaining season and that I will be able to build on this performance”, Silvan Zurbriggen explained during the interview.  

"I am, of course, extremely pleased with today’s results. I had a good performance yesterday in the Downhill. I certainly didn’t expect it to be good enough for a podium position in today’s Combination, though. Second place is an enormous surprise for me as, being a downhill specialist, the two slalom runs on the Ganslern Slope were very difficult“, said Beat Feuz in an interview.

Ivica Kostelic managed to combine the perfect mix of aggression and caution in the second run which, after three slalom wins already this season, was enough to secure third place today. With that, nothing could stand in the way of his Classic Combination title.

"I am very satisfied with this weekend’s results. I recovered well from my accident in training over the last few days. Even though the Downhill didn’t go exactly to plan, it was enough to secure victory in the Combination. I didn’t risk much in the second run, which is why third place is completely acceptable”, said Ivica Kostelic during the winner’s press conference.

„I love to come to Kitzbühel and I was able to celebrate many successes here. I am highly satisfied with my first run, in the second run, however, I didn‘ take enough risk, which is why I lagged behind. Anyway, I am very content with the result“, said Mario Matt during the press conference shortly after the race.  

„Today was just a fantastic day. As I was lagging behind after the first run, I didn’t reckon on making the podium. In the second run I just risked everything and was totally surprised, that I had been fast enough to win. Now I just want to enjoy this moment and celebrate it”, Cristian Deville stated after the Race.  

Italy''s Cristian Deville has won the Slalom on the Ganslern slope. After lagging 73 hundredths of a second behind leader Mario Matt afterthe first run he clawed the difference back to achieve ultimate victory and the top spot on the winner's podium.

It is a unique work of art for a great champion. 

The „1st FIS World Snow Day“ is also being celebrated in Kitzbühel. Between the first and second slalom runs (12:30 hrs), Kitzbühel Ski Club’s young athletes will demonstrate the various disciplines the K.S.C.  actively supports in order to attract children and young people to winter sports. There is also a “Family Stand” offering child friendly snacks and drinks to young visitors. By the way, children and students aged up to 17 (1995 year of birth) enjoy free admission to the Hahnenkamm Races!

The Bergbahn AG Kitzbühel Lift Co. is also taking part in the „1st FIS World Snow Day“ and invites all children born 1996 and younger to enjoy free lift access to the ski slopes. 53 cable cars and lifts, 170 kilometres of pistes and 60 diverse runs are ready and waiting for the young skiers.

www.world-snow-day.com

As runner-up of today’s race, Romed Baumann is more concerned with making the most of his advantage over the other athletes. Athletes will be on the full offensive as they try to beat the clock and improve their times. Ivica Kostelic lies, for example, 1.78 seconds behind Baumann, Bode Miller 1.11 seconds and Beat Feuz 0.21 seconds.  

There has been a long tradition of German Slalom successes on the Ganslern Slope. Our neighbouring country celebrated its last victory only two years ago, when thousands of ski fans cheered for Felix Neureuther. This year again, the athlete from Partenkirchen is amongst the favourites for victory on the Ganslern. This season he has already had two podium finishes, but has not been lucky enough to win.  In this year’s slalom, fellow countryman Fritz Dopfer from Garmisch will be one of his biggest rivals. The athlete born in Innsbruck, who recently came third in Wengen, is considered to be a rising star. Who knows? Maybe he will be able to celebrate his first ever World Cup triumph in Kitzbühel.

For that reason, Marcel Hirscher is particularly motivated about competing in Kitzbühel where he intends to make sure we finally hear the Austrian National Anthem at the Slalom winner’s ceremony after a seven year silence. This season’s dominator narrowly missed out in last year’s race after finishing fourth.