“We’re sitting there without a window”
Olympic ice track without a women’s locker room for tobogganers
Updated on December 7, 2024 – 11:57 amReading time: 2 minutes
The modernization of the Olympic ice track in Innsbruck-Igls is progressing. But there is a lack of money to implement all the measures – with bitter consequences for the tobogganers.
The Olympic ice track in Innsbruck-Igls is currently being extensively modernized for around 30 million euros. The aim is to adapt the facility to the international requirements for the 2027 World Cup. But despite the immense investment, the new launch lacks one basic facility: a changing room for women.
Overall World Cup winner Julia Taubitz was disappointed by this situation. “It’s an incredible shame. We’re sitting there with no windows, no speakers and a hot fan,” she criticized. “When you plan something like that, you have to think about a changing room. That’s very, very annoying.”
Austria’s toboggan world champion Wolfgang Kindl looked ahead despite the unfortunate situation: “Unfortunately, the changing rooms are missing, so we have to make the best of it.” He expressed optimism that the situation would be resolved by the World Cup in 2027. Currently only temporary containers are available to the athletes.
Toni Eggert also spoke up. The record world champion primarily emphasized the positive aspects of the modernization: “I think the track renovation is extremely good for our sport.” With regard to the current restrictions, he advised pragmatism: “You have to understand the temporary solution with the cold starting house. You have to clench your ass cheeks a bit.”
How provisional the current changing room situation in Innsbruck-Igls really is remains to be seen. Railway boss Reinhard Poller admitted: “We don’t yet know what will happen to the changing room in the future.” However, he also drew attention to the financial bottlenecks that had already become apparent during the renovation work in the starting areas.
As part of the construction work, the women’s and doubles start had already been moved up by 200 meters. These changes add seven to eight seconds to runs. Apparently a short-term decision, as Poller explained: “It was a quick, quick solution. Money was tight at the back and front.”