Val Gardena and Alta Badia, back with the public (reduced): presented the stages of the World Cup

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In Bolzano the launch of the classic men's competitions, scheduled from 17 to 20 December with super-g and descent on the Saslong and the novelty of the two giants on the Gran Risa.

Thursday 18 November 2021 8 minutes reading time

They are the two South Tyrolean classics of the World Cup and, like the whole winter sports sector, they follow the motto "Re-Start". Ski enthusiasts want to be present again live at the maximum circuit races scheduled in Val Gardena and Alta Badia, launched today in Bolzano, one month after the poker of appointments scheduled on the Saslong before, with the speed challenges on Friday 17 ( super-g) and Saturday 18 (downhill), and on the Gran Risa then with the double giant (Sunday 19 and Monday 20) on the queen track for the discipline. “Last year we missed a lot of spectators in Val Gardena. We are therefore very happy that the fans can return to the Saslong: they make the whole event special, they are our icing on the cake. Ticket sales are already open and well underway, even if we will not be sold out like in previous years. We are currently authorized to fill our stadium to 75% capacity and an extremely strict safety protocol will be in place. We are more than aware of the delicate phase in which we find ourselves ”, underlined Rainer Senoner, president of the Saslong Classic Club, during today's press conference. In Alta Badia, even more caution will be exercised in this regard, because on the two stands there will be space for a maximum of about 800 spectators. “This means that safety distances can be maintained with certainty. For the time being, we have postponed the start of ticket sales to the end of November and will adapt to circumstances. But it is nice and important to be here today to talk about the next World Cup, because it is also an 'important attraction for the tourism sector ”, underlined Andy Varallo, president of Skiworldcup Alta Badia. As for the sports program, both organizers rely on what has already been tested in the past. In Val Gardena the week of the World Cup will begin with the two tests on Wednesday 15 and Thursday 16 December. The great show of the race will begin with the super-g on Friday 17th, followed by the descent on Saturday 18th, the absolute highlight of the traditional South Tyrolean event at the foot of the Sassolungo. Both the tests and the races will start at 11.45. Like last year, the athlete who scores the most points in Val Gardena will be awarded the Dolomites Val Gardena Suedtirol Ski Trophy. This special prize includes the creation of a wooden sculpture of the winner's bust, a cash prize of 5,000 euros and a short summer holiday in Val Gardena, which was last enjoyed by Aleksander Aamodt Kilde, author of an amazing double on the Saslong in 2020. In Alta Badia, on the other hand, two giant competitions will be held on Sunday 19th and Monday 20th December. The start of the first heat is scheduled for 10 in the morning, the second starting at 13.30. The winners will receive very special trophies created by the artist Daniele Basso with the support of a local craftsman. Fans will have their fun even away from the competition ground. "In Val Gardena this year we will organize again the assignment of the starting bibs and the award ceremony of the super-g in public in Piazza San Antonio in Ortisei - of course, always in compliance with all safety measures", said Senoner . In Alta Badia, on Monday 20 December all ski enthusiasts will be able to participate in the SunRisa. “The slopes will be open as early as 7.15 in the morning to enjoy the sunrise. In addition, all participants will be able to refresh themselves in five refuges with a balanced breakfast prepared by the great nutrition expert Fabbri. The annual highlight remains, of course, the flying display of the aerobatic team of the Frecce Tricolori on Sunday at noon, ”added Varallo, who also proudly underlined a significant innovation in terms of sustainability. "Thanks to new water management software, we can calculate exactly how much water is needed in snow production for the Gran Risa - so we don't waste this precious resource senselessly." Finally, Senoner and Varallo thanked all the partners and sponsors, as well as the many motivated employees. “Without their support we would not be able to achieve our World Cups. We are proud to be able to count on the help of so many people in our beautiful Dolomite valleys, but also in the rest of Alto Adige ”, concluded the two presidents of the Organizing Committee.

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