by Lulu Sheard
The 2021 International Inferno Race in Mürren look set go ahead despite Covid after a recent announcement by the Swiss Government. On 12 August 2020, the government stated that events with more than 1,000 people would be able to resume from the beginning of October.
The inferno is open to all comers
This means that the 78th Inferno event from the 20-23 January 2021, could be staged. The organisers will host a cross-country contest on Wednesday and giant slalom on Thursday, concluding with the famous and historic Inferno downhill race on Saturday.
Despite this green light, the organising committee has considered all eventualities, drawing up a Plan B for holding the event under more stringent COVID-19 restrictions. Possible measures include spreading the downhill over two days, and scaling back the apres party at the Mürren Sports Centre.
Amin Momen of Momentum Travel and former Formula 1 driver Damon Hill have both raced in the Inferno
With a maximum of 1,850 athletes, there is no plan to reduce the number of participants in the downhill, but it may not be possible for everyone to compete on the same day. Spreading the race over two days and staggering athlete’s start times would help avoid gatherings of over 50 people. Also, appropriate control measures would be in place at the start and finish areas.
Wednesday evening’s cross-country race with around 550 athletes in the village centre of Mürren would take place as usual, as would the giant slalom on Thursday. But, the fringe programmes would have to be restricted to an acceptable minimum.
The Inferno Ski Races are open to all and the number of people to enter always exceeds the maximum allowed. In the event the 2021 Inferno Race has to be cancelled due to Covid-19, entry fees will be reimbursed in full. For more details on the event and how to enter CLICK HERE
The Inferno downhill race
The Piz Gloria revolving restaurant on the Schilthorn in Mürren provides a backdrop for part of the Inferno race
The Start of the Inferno in Mürren is located just below the Kleines Schilthorn. From here the course continues through the Engetal to the Schilthorn Hut. Then follows a long drawn-out ‘S’ to just below the Muttlerenhorn, followed by the challenge of the Kanonenrohr. Next comes a further ‘Double S’ and a sharp right curve. The course climbs into woodland, crossing the path of the Maulerhubel Skilift. A slight ascent then leads to Winteregg over the Winteregg Bridge, joining the forest trail in the direction of Lauterbrunnen.
This course can be covered by competent skiers in 45 minutes approx although the winner usually completes the race in less than 15 minutes.
Skiers have to pole uphill through woodland for part of the race
Categories: News, Racing, Switzerland