Despite the loss of millions: a slight sigh of relief in Hochfilzen

World Cup OK boss Franz Berger regrets this very much and has to accept the lack of ticket income, but understands the measures. “We are coming away with a black eye,” said Berger when asked about the financial losses. Because they had only planned a much smaller event anyway. In mid-November the calculation with around half of the otherwise more than 10.000 daily spectators was no longer valid and ghost races were happening again. “On the one hand, this is very sad, but we are happy that we can still do it for top-class sport,” said the long-time OC boss in an interview with the APA – Austria Press Agency . Costly additional grandstand construction was able to be canceled in time, but thousands of tickets that had already been ordered had to be reversed. However, not only the organizer loses income, but also to a considerable extent the local tourism businesses. The losses are estimated at three to four million euros. Apart from the Corona adversities, everything is on track, Berger emphasized, and his team has done a great job. “We had enough artificial snow and now there is also a lot of fresh snow. Everything looks very nice.” This at least enables magnificent live TV advertising images from the region. Based on the experience from the previous year, the Corona safety measures are already routine for his team with numerous volunteers. The former IBU race director supports the world association's strict approach and the government's guidelines. One should be grateful that sporting events are even possible during lockdown, he emphasized. A bubble of 800 people In total, the so-called bubble in Hochfilzen includes around 800 people who must be fully vaccinated, recovered or, if necessary, tested. In addition, the usual distance and mask-wearing regulations must be followed, which are significantly stricter in Austria than at the World Cup in Sweden due to the tense situation. According to the IBU, 75 percent of the World Cup entourage is currently considered fully vaccinated or recovered in accordance with Austrian requirements. In Östersund it was 98 percent. The large difference is due to different national regulations regarding unapproved vaccines such as the Russian Sputnik vaccine. Relatedly, other entry and accommodation policies are in effect. These have led to Belarusian athletes and supervisors, some of whom have already been vaccinated four times. People who are not considered vaccinated or recovered had to undergo PCR tests before entry. This is then required for them on site at regular intervals. The ÖSV also carried out its own tests before arrival. A positive test by an ÖSV supervisor in Sweden shows that even all possible precautionary measures may not be sufficient. There were also isolated cases in other nations, but athletes in both countries were not affected. So far, there have been no clusters at all. >>> These Azzurri will be at the start in Hochfilzen from Friday

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Despite the loss of millions: a slight sigh of relief in Hochfilzen

Actually, everything would be set up for a biathlon festival in Hochfilzen at the weekend, including plenty of fresh snow. However, as in the previous year, the Corona lockdown prevents spectators from being admitted.

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