Start Matterhorn moved down: These are the reasons: No home race! Gut-Behrami and Co only drive in Italy

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Bright sun, snow as far as the eye can see and a fantastic mountain backdrop: the heart of Franz Julen (65) is smiling on this Wednesday morning, a few hours before the men’s first downhill training. The day before, the Valais resident had to announce that there would be no home race for the Swiss women the following weekend – it would only take place in Italy. «The FIS has taken the position to move the start downwards for safety reasons. We respond to this wish because the safety of the athletes and fair racing is our top priority,” says Julen.

Lara Gut-Behrami (32), Corinne Suter (29) and Co. will now start the race at 3,505 meters above sea level, so below the Matterhorn jump. This means you don’t drive a meter through Swiss snow.

But why exactly is the race being shortened? The possible wind plays only a minor role. For the FIS it is much more important that the route is manageable for all riders due to the altitude.

Estimated travel time: 1:40 minutes

But would this really be the case given the 2900 meter long route? Initial tests showed a travel time of 1:40 minutes. That would be about ten seconds longer than most World Cup descents.

According to information from Blick, the FIS is not concerned about the top 30 riders; they are used to the tension and are physically ready for it. This mainly concerns the other athletes who start further back – because of the height you definitely don’t want to risk any accidents.

Also in Switzerland in 2024?

“A step up next year is a feasible option – we have discussed that with the FIS,” says Julen. That means: maybe in 2024 there will be a Swiss-Italian spectacle – like the one for men.

You want to gain experience in advance. “The race remains an innovative two-country project in which Zermatt and Cervinia work together. I am convinced that we will see beautiful descents.”

Source : Blick