Friday 25 January 2019

A Downhill Switch.

A pretend Saturday today.

Blame the weather which of course is a huge proponent of staging a race, in fact it is the only vital proponent of a downhill race that determines it being held.

When I heard late last night that the Kitzbuhel Downhill Classic was moved to today I was at first a bit disappointed but then I thought of the athletes. Racing down the king of downhill races in less than perfect conditions can be life threatening. The wind was the culprit as it is on course too blow to hard tomorrow, Saturday. Not good when the skiers race down the sheer cliffs of Kitzbuhel mountain at over 130 kmph. Wouldn't catch me doing it!

Luckily I had the time to watch the race this morning and it was a cracker. Can't say too much though, as Bob is only going to watch it after work. Yes, this race is one of his favourites and it has turned into a classic in our household. We set our calendar to it and bring it into casual conversation with ease...

" You know the Kitzbuhel downhill is on the same day as the Feuerwehr Ball. "

Watching it is jaw dropping, exciting and thrilling and I think it is awful that those athletes don't earn more money.( Article in Business Insider) When a man dribbling a soccer ball around the pitch can get paid multi millions a year while only facing a toe, shin or ankle being trodden on, isn't it about time to reward these skiers more? Their bodies are honed and trained to perfection yet they do become horrible injured, never mind the lifelong aches and pains they can look forward to after retirement.

Well, today certainly felt like a Saturday but on the real Saturday the Slalom race will be held. Who knew that a couple of Saturdays could hold so much excitement...

Biggi

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