“We have come up with something original during the last few races” says Fan Club President Dagmar Gruber, “and this convinced the Jury”. Val Gardena/Gröden World Cup Committee member and responsible for Fan Clubs Genni Tschurtschenthaler explains that it was the impressive creativity of the “Heilousn” along with its many members, equipment, discipline and good spirits that lead to victory. She adds: “The Heilousn bring a lot of enthusiasm to the town of St.Christina and the finish area in Selva/Wolkenstein”.

The day started with a welcome meeting on Passo Sella/Sellajoch by a delegation of the Saslong Classic Club including Operations Manager Claudia Rifesser, Assistant Daniela Holzknecht and Fan Club Coordinator Genni Tschurtschenthaler. After a ride up to the Sassolung/Langkofel ridge, the group had aperitifs at the Toni Demetz hut (2685m) served by host Heini Demetz and his daughter Julia. Even Coordinator Günter Comploj explained the formation history of the Dolomites and provided an in-depth review on helicopter mountain rescues. The group returned by lift to the the Passo Sella/Sellajoch and hiked from there to the legendary Comici hut. The host Florian Kaser and his team dished up a proper Tyrolean lunch. After desserts, Günter Comploj entertained the group with great songs and refrains that lead to a terrific atmosphere in the Alpine restaurant owned by the ski-enthusiastic Marzola family. The day concluded with a return hike to Passo Sella/Sellajoch from where the Heilousn returned home. The fan event was financially supported by Val Gardena/Gröden Marketing. Unfortunately, the ski stars Dominik Paris and Siegmar Klotz could not join in on the fun this year, as they are currently in summer training in South America. Their fan club was founded in 2010 and counts 450 members. In December, the “Heilousn” want to score a hat trick with three golds in a row. “We will put all our efforts into winning this competition for the third time in a row”, says President Dagmar Gruber.