The party begins

Today saw the second race of the Lauberhorn weekend, a downhill won by Aleksander Kilde of Norway with Swiss racers Marco Odermatt (yesterday’s Super G winner) second and serial winner here, Beat Feuz, finishing third.

The race had a lower start line than the full Lauberhorn race, I suppose, as much as anything, to protect the status of tomorrow’s classic. Still, a win on the roller coaster ride of the Wengen downhill must be something special however long the race.

Late this afternoon, Wengen was party central, with large crowds and loud rock music. The air was filled with the smell of hot wine and grilling cheese. Pandemic or not, I am sure tomorrow will be lively on the hill and in the village.

Earlier, the contrast could not have been more marked. The cable car was running continuously and full on each trip, but the skiers were once more off to that parallel world which seems to exist on Mannlichen. The slopes were quiet in the morning and nigh on deserted in the afternoon. Even the run to Wengen was deserted, with more spectators on foot than on skis.

Another sunny day, warmer than it has been recently, brought 10,173 vertical metres in 21 lift rides and 56 kilometres travelled.