Reichelt and Neureuther receive Kitzbuehel gondolas

Felix Neureuther poses with his gondola car and replacement trophy. hahnenkamm.com

It has been two busy Saturdays for Kitzbuehel, as on June 28 the 2014 Hahnenkamm downhill winner Hannes Reichelt attended the presentation of the gondola named in his honor and on July 5 it was Felix Neureuther’s turn to be presented with the gondola he earned by winning the 2014 slalom race.

Reichelt came to the Streif accompanied by 180 friends, including his family led by his grandmother who was particularly excited to join him at the starting point of the famous downhill. The winner of Hahnenkamm 2014 was overwhelmed by his reception.

“Thank you all. The best part of this is that I can be here to celebrate with you all,” a delighted Reichelt said as Josef Burger, Chief of the Cable Car Company officially presented him with his honorary gondola at the top station of the lift.

A week later, it was time for German slalom specialist Felix Neureuther to attend his second gondola presentation (he first won in Kitzbuehel in 2010), equipped with a seat-heating system. Neureuther brought his parents Rosi Mittermeier-Neureuther and Christian Neureuther to the celebration while a group of some 100 members of his fan club showed up to provide their support.

Neureuther’s visit to Kitzbuehel provided a great opportunity for Michael Huber, President of the Kitzbühel Ski Club (KSC), to also present Neureuther with a new trophy. Last January the original “gams” Neureuther received at the price giving ceremony got broken and had to be replaced. The festivities ended with fan club members hiking the Streif together with chief of slope Stefan Lindner.

Release courtesy of FIS and hahnenkamm.com