Steffen Hoos, aka "Hoosie", Toko's International Race Service Manager
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Finally,
the weather today was Olympic worthy and provided fair competitions.
The downhill course was
presented in a top-prepared state and offered a level playing field for all skiers.
It was important for all service
people who prepare the skis to provide enough edge grip for the snow conditions,
but at the same time not too aggressive. The service people of the racers
had already started a week ago to condition the ski bases with HF waxes in
order to achieve the most deep penetration. This season so far has called
mostly for hard waxes, as the weather tended to be cold. Here because of the warm weather
we switched to softer waxes which have been thoroughly tested first. Fortunately, Udo Raunjak from
our R&D department has provided us with a great product. In top-finish,
we have been the leading nation for years, as proven by the sales figures in Alpine
racing. Today were the women's 10k and
Men's 15k Skating races. Both the ladies
and the men came from different nations on the podium resulting in 6 different
countries represented!
This shows the balance in
cross-country field. In the morning the course was very soft despite the freezing
temperatures overnight (-4 ° C). The snow felt like dry Styrofoam
didn't stick to itself (you could run your hand through it easily). The problem was that the groomer
worked the snow for 11 hours (up to 4 clock am). The wet snow from Sunday wasn't
allowed to set up and bind to itself.
Instead the snow dried out, lost its structure, and didn't really stick
to itself. At least after the
women's race, the course workers scattered the additive on the track resulting
in a firmer track for the men. It was
not firm, but better than it was for the women. For the Toko house it was a very
successful day.
We are subject like all other
equipment companies to the regulations of the IOC and not until after the
Olympics can such success stories be related with pictures and text. Until tomorrow then ....
Steffen
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Toko Alpine Serviceman Heinz Kolly Preparing a wax report
Toko Nordic Serviceman Jens Richmueller showing up for work
Toko Nordic Serviceman Bjoern Pfestorf preparing test skis
The Great American Fan
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