Vail-Beaver Creek passes technical inspections ahead of 2015 World Championships

By Published On: April 17th, 2014Comments Off on Vail-Beaver Creek passes technical inspections ahead of 2015 World Championships
Ted Ligety racing SG in Beaver Creek in 2013. GEPA/ Wolfgang Grebien

Ted Ligety racing SG in Beaver Creek in 2013. GEPA/ Wolfgang Grebien

With the clock ticking towards the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships 2015 in Vail-Beaver Creek (USA) next February, the final spring technical inspections and Coordination Group meeting were held on-site this March and April.

Just after the conclusion of the FIS Alpine World Cup season, the official technical inspections were carried out by the FIS race directors led by Atle Skaardal and Markus Waldner. An intensive few days involved inspecting the men’s Birds of Prey and ladies’ Raptor courses as well as looking into the sport organizational plans.

The technical officials came away from their meetings and venue tours with positive feelings. Earlier in the season, the new ladies’ downhill course “The Raptor” debuted to rave reviews from the athletes. The men have also always said that the famed “Birds of Prey” downhill course is one of the highlights of the World Cup season.

“We have had a great debut on the ladies Raptor and are looking forward to seeing it in action again in the next season,” said Skaardal. “We will then finalize the last details before the 2015 World Championships get underway.”

“After inspecting the 2015 World Championship courses, we are extremely happy with the current situation and can feel confident that with the experienced Organizing Team the Championships will be a top event!” added Waldner.

The technical inspections have been followed up this week with the Coordination Group meeting in Vail and Beaver Creek including representatives from the 2017 Organizing Committee, FIS, USSA, the European Broadcast Union and its commercial partner Tridem.

With the countdown clock now below the 300-day mark before the World Championships begin on Feb. 2, the Organizers and FIS have turned the focus to fine tuning on the technical side and the promotional elements of the Championships.

“The Organizers are preparing a full program of free entertainment to make sure that the visitors and fans both from Colorado, the United States and the rest of the world that travel to visit the Championships will have a memorable stay and enjoy not just the outstanding competitions these courses and organization are sure to provide, but the Vail Valley and Rocky Mountain region,” remarked FIS Secretary General Sarah Lewis.

The final inspection and Coordination Group meeting prior to the World Championships will take place this fall to ensure the site is fully operational before the world descends on the Vail Valley in February.

Release courtesy of FIS

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