Markus Waldner: “We need fixed start times like in Formula 1”

Mr. Waldner, you have us in first part of this interview reveal that their goal is to make skiing even more attractive. What can be improved on television in this regard?

We had a lot of meetings with the TV directors. Together we want to make cosmetics out of the product that is good in and of itself. Even at the first race in Sölden, TV viewers will notice that a lot has changed and that there will now be even more additional information. The TV directors had some interesting suggestions for improvement, but we can't implement them all one-to-one. For example, intervals of three minutes were suggested so that the TV stations could show more of their super slow motion images and recordings with the crane cameras - but this cannot be implemented because the fans in the finish area would otherwise oversleep it if only everyone did A runner comes in three minutes. In addition, the piste conditions would change too much and it would no longer be fair in terms of sport.

What changes are you still aiming for?

What I really want are fixed start times. Like in Formula 1 or football: Everyone knows that Formula 1 starts at 14 p.m. or a Champions League game at 20.45:XNUMX p.m. In alpine skiing, start times vary far too much. This creates chaos. I am aware that it will be very difficult because we have so many different winter sports disciplines. But we will try to bring a clear line here. In the same way, I aim to ensure that there are no more downhill runs for women and men on a weekend. If, like this year, a women's downhill run in Garmisch and a men's downhill run in Kitzbühel are held on the same day, then we shoot each other down. It's better to combine a speed race with a technical race because I can do the speed competition between the two runs.

You worked as a race director in the continental racing series for almost two decades. What are the biggest differences between the European Cup and the World Cup?

Within the racing fences, the difference between the two products is not that big. It's primarily about the safety of the athletes and that's why the work in both racing series is excellent. The biggest difference is the coordination with television. And the weather is the big issue here. Because when you have normal weather, everything runs smoothly. But if there is snow, fog, etc., then shifts occur. In contrast to the European Cup, I cannot start the race at time X in the World Cup. If I want to broadcast it live, then I have to coordinate with the TV stations. And that's why you have to be prepared for these eventualities and have backup plans ready.

And within the teams?

Well, the World Cup is of course about larger interests. Of course, in the European Cup everyone tries to get the most out of their team. But we still try to remain fair. Things are simply tougher in the World Cup. I don't want to say it's unfair, but the teams are already moving to an extreme level that is no longer good for the sport. The sporting interests are then no longer the focus, but rather the personal advantage.

Can you give us a specific example?

The course setting in the slalom caused a lot of controversy last year. Of course everyone stayed within the rules. But it was so extreme that it's not good for the sport. We discussed it a lot in the summer. I am of the opinion that when the conditions are good, i.e. icy and hard, you can bet whatever you want. And it's good that we don't have a course setter from the FIS. We want a different design and variety every time. But if the conditions do not allow it, then the course setting must be adjusted.

As the successor to Günther Hujara, you are stepping into big shoes: What are the biggest differences between you two? Well, first of all, we have one thing in common: We want to create a safe but still spectacular ski race and therefore a good product. But there are several ways to achieve this goal. Günther concentrated on many tasks and over time that made him very tired because it simply became too much. I try to distribute the tasks across several shoulders. And I'm already at the limit. The bar that Günther Hujara has set is very high because he has done a top job. I won't try to imitate him, but rather remain myself. I will take a hard, clear path, but dialogue is still very important to me. There certainly won't be a dream concert with me, but I will always have an open ear and want to hear where the problem is.

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Markus Waldner: “We need fixed start times like in Formula 1”

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