VIKERSUND – It’s done and only the sky seems the limit. Just in time for the Ski Flying World Cup in Vikersund, the Saxonian Peter Riedel GmbH installed and tested the new in-run track on the Vikersundbakken within a record time of two construction weeks and only one installation week.
From 17 to 19 March, the Norwegian counterpart to the Four Hill Tournament, the new "Raw Air" series, will end after a total of six competitions in Oslo, Lillehammer, Trondheim here in Vikersund at the world's largest ski jumping hill. After the Peter Riedel GmbH installed the in-run track for and successfully supervised the World Cup in Trondheim for more than ten years, the Norwegians also trusted the German expertise in the upgrade of the Vikersundbakken. "Unlike other companies, our modern technology allows us to build even in the midst of snow and ice in the winter. For example: In February, we installed our track while coping with temperatures as low as -17°C”, says Managing Director Peter Riedel. "But since we have already worked at -37°C in Russia, the motivation of my team did not suffer from the temperature”, he adds with a wink.
Full service for Vikersund
The track wasn’t the only thing in Vikersund, for which the Saxonian team was in charge of. In addition to the delivery of the start-beam system, the FIS advertising panel and a lighter, lower, multifunctional new version of the ice milling machine, the organizing committees and the sport technology experts have also signed a long-term support contract which guarantees the Norwegians a further transfer of knowledge and technology in the coming years. "A big thank you goes to the organizing committee in Vikersund for their trust and great support. We have been working together very well since the start of the project and we can proudly say that they have built their future already today", says Peter Riedel.
New records possible
"In regards to this ski jump, one can safely say: ‘This is as big as it gets’”, says Peter Riedel. With a start-up length of 132 meters and a ski flying record of 251.5 meters, the dimensions of the so-called "Monsterbakken" are oversized. The track is a full eleven meters longer than the Kulm Ski Flying Hill which has recently been equipped by the Peter Riedel GmbH. The new construction of the "New Generation" track will enable Vikersund to achieve even higher speeds and ranges at a new bounce angle of 10.5 degrees - without jeopardizing the athletes. "We know that with this new quality of our track new records in speed and range are possible, but this is not the main goal. The main goal above all is to guarantee the safety of the athletes”, Peter Riedel assures.
For the Peter Riedel GmbH, but also for the Norwegians, this week in March will be a unique one, as the Crown Prince will visit Trondheim and King Harald V will come to Vikersund. Together with the new technology, those visits will send important messages with regard to a potential World Championship application from Trondheim.
