Worlds of Saalbach: drones are not afraid of skiers

Worlds of Saalbach: drones are not afraid of skiers


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Worlds of SaalbachDrones have changed the vision skiing, but it doesn’t bother

In recent months, these flying machines have been able to watch the ski races on television differently. Not enough to scare skiers.

Robin Carrel, Saalbach
The German Andreas Sander, chased by a drone, during the last descent of Kitzbühel.

The German Andreas Sander, chased by a drone, during the last descent of Kitzbühel.

AFP

“We apologize to Stefan Rogentin. It was not in the protocol and it should not happen. ” Mario Mittermayer-Weinhandl, race director at Kitzbühel, was forced to rectify the shot, after the Grison skier was approached a little too close by a drone, before starting on the streak. The Swiss had struck the machine with its stick in the gate, before expressing its dissatisfaction in the arrival area.

It must be said that for a few months, these flying cameras have revolutionized the way of bringing skiing and, sometimes they have really approached athletes. For a few seasons, after a drone fell a few centimeters from Marcel Hirscher during the slalom of Madonna di Campiglio 9 years ago, the drones had been prohibited. Since then, we can only see them.

What to destabilize a skier on the track? “Frankly, I hear nothing at all when they fly behind me!” Finally, I only noticed them in slalom, when the drone went up the track … “Michelle Gisin has long run in all disciplines, but has never been disturbed by this new way of bringing the races to life.

Better still, she appreciates the rendering for viewers: “I believe that for the show, it’s a lot, much better. We finally really see the speed of skiers, we hear the sound of skis on the track …, appreciates the Obwaldian. It is something very positive for our discipline. As long as the drone is behind me, I see no drawbacks. Even if it is close. Anyway, I go faster than him. If he falls, I’m already gone! “

This unprecedented point of view is not even used for coaches to review the races. “For the analysis, it doesn’t change much either,” explains Gisin. It is not much better than the usual camera. ”

Michelle Gisin, when she still did slalom.

Michelle Gisin, when she still did slalom.

AFP



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