One year of compulsory break is enough.
The horn sled race in Garmisch-Partenkirchen should not be canceled again.
That is why the organizers have decided to allow it to take place under 3G-plus rules.
They are happy to accept that this entails more effort, especially when entering.
Garmisch-Partenkirchen
- It's going to be a show of strength. Peter Strodl is aware of this. The chairman of the Hornschlittenverein Partenkirchen frankly admits that he initially had concerns. Concerns whether you can even organize the race on Epiphany under Corona conditions. At the most recent board meeting, all of these worries were brushed aside. The unanimous opinion of the management team: "It is possible," Strodl puts it in words. It is therefore certain that the 52nd horn sled race will take place on January 6, 2022. Of course, under special conditions. “We apply the 3G plus rule,” says Strodl. As a result, starters, spectators and anyone who contributes to the success of the event must either have recovered, be vaccinated, or present a negative PCR test. Checking this “will surely be an expense”. But one that is worthStrodl is sure of that.
It still pains him and his colleagues that they had to cancel the race this year.
“For the first time in our history,” emphasized the chairman.
Regardless of whether there was not enough snow or there were other problems, the active members of the club always managed to prepare the route from the Partnachalm to the Wildenau.
They too had to bow to the pandemic.
There was no solution this year to go through with the traditional event at which the Bavarian champions have been determined for 50 years.
“That hurt,” says Strodl.
"That was really a tough turning point."
Decisive advantage over the Leonhardiritten
The association survived and managed to keep the members - currently there are around 600, of which up to 50 are active - with the rod. They are all happy that the next race can take place. Just like many horn sled enthusiasts: "We have received a lot of encouragement, especially from Thuringia and Saxony, that we should definitely do it again."
After the cancellation of the Leonhardiritte in Murnau, Unterammergau and Garmisch-Partenkirchen (we reported), Strodl and his colleagues gave a lot of thought. Your event is also a crowd puller. But it quickly became clear to them that “we have a decisive advantage”. The area on which they organize their race is manageable and, above all, easy to demarcate. As a result, the spectators streaming from the ski stadium into the finish area will be checked right at the Partnach Bridge. “Also upstairs,” says Strodl. For those who come from the Kochelbergalm or Partnachalm, there has been a separate ticket office for a long time. In 2022, they not only have to pull out their wallet, but also their mobile phone to use the Luca app to prove which of the 3Gs they meet.Nevertheless, "we will need a little more security for the entrance," says Strodl.
Active members of the Hornschlittenverein are now snow experts
The helpers and officials as well as the drivers are asked about the whole thing in advance or when registering.
This is possible from December 1st.
Strodl is aware that the starters haven't had much practice recently.
But he hopes that around 80 sledges will be at the start again.
“There were always so many in the end.” He also hopes for the sponsors.
That they hold the rod to the club.
"We urgently need this support," says Strodl.
The major event cannot be managed from membership fees alone - ten euros are due per year.
However, it is the purpose of the association to organize them. The active ones give everything for this. You only notice that when it comes to bringing in the necessary snow. “In the course of time we have become real experts,” reveals Strodl with a smile. Also in how to prepare the necessary documentation for racing. He and his comrades got their first artificial snow from the Steckenberg lifts in Unterammergau. Later they also prepared used snow - from the city sprint in the center of Garmisch, from the ice rink and also from the New Year's jump. Twice, when too little of the white splendor was available, they had to shorten the race track.
Preparations for 2022 have long since begun.
The container in the finish area has been prepared, the boards have been renewed.
“Now people should get their sledges out of the barns,” Strodl demands.
“And water them.” As a result, the woodworms disappear and the material becomes more stable.
A good starting position for the wild ride over the Hohe Weg down to the Wildenau.