mhausen - Last nights weather conditions finally forced the Umhausen organizers to make some adjustments in the programme. Heavy thunderstorms and rainfall combined with warm temperatures (at 1.30am 8 centigrade had been measured) did not only cause that the main road in the valley had to be closed for several hours and cut off some towns, it also made some more damage to the already very challenged “Grantau” track.
Local race director Erich Batkowski announced in the team captain´s meeting that not the full programme will be held: “There will be only one run for doubles, but if we use the morning and evening hours I am positive that we will be able to have two regular runs for men and women”, he said. The double sleds are heavier and therefore do a bigger harm to the track when it is as soft as it is in Umhausen at these conditions.
According to the new schedule training runs will start on Friday evening. The one and only competition run for doubles will be held on Saturday morning. The event will be continued on Saturday evening then to avoid the even warmer daytime hours. As another precaution measurement to protect the track athletes will not be allowed to walk in the track. So they will have to do their inspection walk from outside the track.
New Schedule:
Friday, 12 January: 6pm: Training Runs Men and Women afterwards: Training Run Doubles afterwards: Opening Ceremony
Saturday, 13 January: 8.30am: 1st and only Competition Run Doubles 5pm: 1st Competition Run Women/Men 7pm: 2nd Competition Run Women/Men 8.30pm: Medal Ceremonies
ck FIL Media Service