The MK series of biathlon has reached a new host for several years when the Swiss center of Lenzerheide competes this weekend. In two years Lenzerhide will host the Biathlon World Championships. Alvar Tiisler asked the main organizer of the World Cup, Jürg Capoli, how Switzerland obtained the right to organize the major competition.
I remember when I was a kid. So around 10-11am I watched Otepää ski MKs. I didn’t know the face of that person, but I knew that there was a very important person there, whose name was Jürg Capol. Jürg, you have many memories and experiences related to Estonia.
Yes, I definitely have them now. I started at the International Ski Federation as a race director in 2003. One of my first summer inspections was in Estonia. It was a Summer Roller competition.
I have a very good friend in Estonia, who is Tiit Pekk. We are still in contact, although perhaps less than before. At that time I frequented all MK stages and was in Estonia at least twice a year. There I met many sports lovers and active people with whom I could organize great events. I have many positive memories of Estonia.
It’s a truly historic weekend for this arena too. It was built by Michael Hartweg and his family. It is now managed by the Swiss Ski Federation. This is a truly historic weekend for all of skiing in Switzerland.
Exactly. I met Michael Hartweg 10-11 years ago. He told me about his vision of him and there wasn’t a stadium here yet.
When I was still a kid, I remember how the ski slopes passed by this place. I said this guy is crazy, but in a good way. He has a vision and he wants to make it happen.
He told me 10-11 years ago that he wanted to get here for the MK stage of the biathlon. I told him you’re a good friend of mine and I believe what you say, but it’s a long way. 11 years later, here is the MK stage.
I met Michael yesterday. It was his idea and I told him that he was one of the main leaders. He didn’t stop working and it’s a fantastic story.
I think we will experience a very exciting time in 2025 too, because after you, the host of the next World Cup will be Otepää. Probably here the baton will be handed over to Otepää.
Yes, we deliver the flag here. Estonia has even more experience than us. The history of Lenzerheide is very special. We got the MK stage before the WC.
Usually we have to organize the MK stage several times and then we can say that we want to organize the World Cup. When Switzerland was chosen, the choice was Belarus or Switzerland. Even though we hadn’t played any high-level competitions, the IBU gave us the right to organize the World Championship.
Now, of course, we have to prove that we can do it.
Jürg, I wish you all the best for this weekend and next year. I think we will have a great World Cup and hopefully with some sunshine.
I hope the same and we will see the sun at the weekend.
2023-12-16 11:47:00
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