This year under exceptional circumstances, as the 13 World Cup decisions will be exclusively an international TV spectacle due to the Covid-19 prevention measures. With a heavy heart, the organisers will have to do without spectators on site due to official regulations. Strict safety regulations are in place for the participating athletes, media representatives and staff. Vice-Chancellor and Sports Minister Werner Kogler was also impressed by the Covid-19 prevention concept during a site inspection.
The World Championships in Saalfelden Leogang from 7 to 11 October will be the first World Championships in Austria since the coronavirus pandemic and the Pinzgau region is therefore working meticulously on prevention measures.
Four COVID-19 concepts are in place to ensure safety: athletes and teams are shielded from the outside world and stay exclusively in their ‘bubble’. On arrival in Leogang, both the athletes and their accompanying persons must be able to present a negative PCR test, which must not be older than 72 hours. Staff and helpers may not come into contact with the athletes' bubble.
In addition, masks must be worn throughout the entire site, both indoors and outdoors, and the 1.5 metre social distancing rule must be observed by everyone involved. In addition, thermal cameras on the grounds will monitor body temperature.
‘The circumstances caused by COVID-19 make for an unusual and somewhat ‘different’ World Cup. But our primary goal is to get participants, employees and media representatives through the week safely. Unfortunately, this also means that we have to do without our many mountain bike enthusiasts. Of course, we respect the decision of the authorities. The health of everyone involved and the realisation of the event are clearly our top priority. We are also in contact with TV stations and streaming providers around the world to ensure that the elite decisions are broadcast so that mountain bike fans can share in the excitement. In Austria, for example, the races will be shown on ORF Sport+ and Red Bull TV,’ says World Championships organiser and Managing Director of Saalfelden Leogang Touristik, Marco Pointner.
Vice-Chancellor and Sports Minister Werner Kogler was also convinced by the concept of the World Championships organisers during the on-site inspection of the event site at the Leogang Asitzbahn: ‘To my great regret, many top-class and, above all, popular sports events had to be cancelled. I am therefore all the more pleased that the only major World Championships planned for Austria this year can take place. And even with more disciplines and more medal competitions than originally planned. This has been made possible by the commitment of the organisers, who have presented really well thought-out, high-quality prevention concepts. Of course, it is a great pity that the many mountain bike fans will not be able to be there. But in these difficult times, everyone's safety must take centre stage. So let's be happy that the athletes can celebrate a big bike festival that we will be able to follow on TV or live stream,’ says Kogler.
