Jan. 24, 2009
Coming 2nd and 3rd, the Austrians surrendered the win to their fierce rivals Switzerland on day of drama, superb weather and an outstanding race course. Complete with a press pass around my neck I ventured into media section of the finish area and watched US racer T. J. Lanning take down a large section of the safety nets before the race returned with Hermann Maier sending the crowd wild to take top spot from a start bib of 7. Didier Defago eventually won for Switzerland with Michael Walchhofer 2nd and Klaus Kroell 3rd for Austria. The after race celebrations match the spectacle of the race with thousands of visitors drinking and dancing in the heart of what I think is the most complete ski holiday resort in the Alps. For those who have yet to see a Kitzbuhel Hahnenkamm race weekend then add to the ‘to do’ list – it is without doubt the most incredible winter sports event in existence.