Video, Action … and Spectacular Images from the Saslong
We’re ready for action. Downhill and Super-G are about to come to Val Gardena/Gröden and the whole world is ready to follow the human jets on the Saslong. Infront director Sandro Manincor will be the one telling the story of the races with his spectacular images.
He and his staff know every square inch of the course by heart: after all, he has been editing the World Cup races for the last 11 years, and been active in the ski world since 1988, when he started as a “skiing” operative. This newest edition will be packed with interesting reports that will allow spectators to feel closer to what is happening on the course, even from the comfort of their homes!
“We have increased coverage on the Ciaslat and, in addition to a camera positioned on a mechanical arm, there is a shoulder camera that can be used both for replay and live recordings.” explains the director from the nearby region of Trentino, adding: “The Ciaslat is captured by a ‘high-speed” camera which captures a very high number of photograms and thus, allows for very detailed slow-motion replays, showing things that can’t be captured by the naked eye. A second mechanical arm has been set up at the entry to the Final Schuss, which once again will “tell the story” in a more dynamic way of how skiers exit the canal and enter the final section. That is the biggest new thing this year.”
How many cameras are used to cover the Saslong?
“There are a total of 24 cameras, three dedicated to replay, and the other 21 for live recordings. It’s a highly respectable coverage for a Downhill. Large investments have been made here in Val Gardena/Gröden as the Saslong is one of the most beautiful and fascinating Downhills - it can be proud of its history.”
This year’s panorama in the valley is very “special”.
“The track is in optimal conditions and the lack of snow is only a scenic problem. This requires a different format, but we won’t hide the truth, because the races are still happening and this fact says it all.”
What are the most spectacular sections to record?
“The Sochers walls, the Camel Humps – one of the most beautiful jumps of the World Cup - and the Ciaslat, which is highly technical and bumpy.”
Ski, volleyball, MTB, cycling, sailing, to name a few, are the sports that you cover. What is the most spectacular?
“They are all spectacular, but one of the most intense is skiing because of its environment, climatic conditions, distances and sheer speed of athletes. The most difficult? To be able to show the gradient and speed. A great way to be able to capture the speed is by providing audio, the sound speed makes. As for the steepness, the positioning of the cameras is critical. And then there is the team. It’s large, counting 80 people who all move in perfect harmony, as if they were an orchestra. We’re live, the world is watching and mistakes are not allowed.
On Thursday, the second training will be broadcast live on Eurosport.
