Legends are created in the Hahnenkamm Downhill and folklore has it that the winner of the Hahnenkamm makes an appearance in the Londoner to thank his adoring fans. The Hahnenkamm weekend is one of THE events not only of the sporting calendar but also the Social calendar. The three days of racing are the focus on the hill but once the racing is over there is still so much more to the weekend. While the parties are numerous for the true ski racing fan, there is only one place to be: The Londoner. This is the place that the racers go to.

The stories that emanate from previous years are all part of Hahnenkamm folklore: The winner and other ski racers get behind the bar and give the staff a hand in serving the hoards of fans that have paid to get in. Once the downhill is over, that is not the end of the day - for many the day is only just starting. Kitzbuehel by night is packed with revellers drinking, partying and reliving the race; analysing and criticising; celebrating their heroes successes. The queue to get into the Londoner proves just how popular the night is as well.

This year the American and Canadian racers proved to be a big hit with the fans early on in the night. The camaraderie between racer and fan is there for all to see. Rarely do the fans of any sport get to see their heroes up close and doing something for them. Once they have done their shift behind the bar, the racers join the crowds and celebrate with the rest of the fans.

At half past midnight this years Legend is carried in on the shoulders of one of the burly security guys on the door. The clapping and cheering for Didier Cuche raises the roof. Every one wants to shake the double Hahnenkamm winner's hand, this years winner is extremely popular with all the fans in the bar.

Following just behind Cuche, again on the shoulders of the security guy, is the man who so nearly won the race, Andrej Sporn. This was Sporn's first appearance in the Londoner and for a while he looked like a little lost sheep but was soon in the spirit of things! Young racers join in the celebrations along with the veterans; this is where the respect of all the racers is celebrated as well as the victory of the racer.

And soon enough there is a strange looking man sporting a red wig helping behind the bar… That can only be one person: Hahnenkamm Winner 2010, Didier Cuche. Tradition lives on and another Legend continues the celebrations!

The party goes on long into the night!

International Press Information
Anna Maria Gregorini
+43 699 161 60930 (from 17th to 29th January 2010)
+41 79 698 59 56
Email: anna-maria@kpms.com

Sabrina Zumkehr
+43 699 104 27151 (from 17th to 24th January 2010)
+41 79 359 15 47
Email: sabrina@kpms.com

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