The construction of the ski jumping facility at Ještěd is successfully catching up on delays

Liberec - Dozens of trucks are driving up and down at a continuous pace, four to five companies are sending 80 workers into the field seven days a week, who are not idle. They are building a tunnel under the ski slope, a service building, a bridge for coaches, and a single-chairlift to the jumps. Construction at Ještěd, the venue for the February World Cup races and the World Championship in 2009, is progressing at a rapid pace.
    Two and a half months ago, when there was a dramatic change at the head of the organizing committee for the Liberec championship and Kateřina Neumannová was appointed as the head of the team under special circumstances, work on the ski jumping complex at Ještěd was halted. Preparations fell behind, and it was discussed that the facility would not be ready for the World Cups. The team lost managers and the director of the ski jumping competitions. After several weeks, the head of the jumping section of the ski association, Leoš Škoda, was appointed to this position.
    "We've already caught up about fifty percent of the losses," said Miroslav Pecháč, the manager of the complex, directly on site today. He walks around the complex in high boots and overalls, overseeing everything. When he sees a bundle of wires sticking straight out of the ground, he just shakes his head. "I have to call the chief electrician right away to see what this is for. Everyone is working on Saturdays and Sundays; I am convinced it will be done on time," he declared.
    A total of 270 million crowns have already been invested in the complex, and according to Pecháč, another 150 million may be needed for the World Cup races at the beginning of February. The city of Liberec handles the investments and oversees their flow. "After the World Cup, only minor details will need to be completed and polished. We will see what comments and needs arise after the races," he stated.
    The judging tower and the lighting for the entire complex are completely ready, and the terrain adjustments are mostly completed. Work has begun on the bridge for coaches, as well as the tunnel for cars and trucks under the ski slope, and work is also starting on the single-chairlift to the jumps. A contentious service building is under construction, which many believe will not be ready for the World Cup.
    "I am convinced it will be," Pecháč stated. The main building will include a hotel, technical facilities, and amenities for the races and the competitors themselves. Currently, permanent stands for up to 10,000 spectators are missing, while others will be removable. For the World Cup race, the capacity will be reduced to 6,000 fans.
    Executive director of the organizing committee Marek Rejman sees no shortcomings. "There is nothing that would immediately threaten the World Cup races. The stands will not be completed, but the facilities for the event itself will be prepared adequately," he told ČTK.
    Chairwoman of the organizing committee Neumannová again admitted that not everything at Ještěd would be one hundred percent ready. "Everyone is doing their utmost, even though we all know it will be a fight until the last moment," she pointed out. "Not everything will be prepared, but the races are not at risk. Moreover, everyone, including representatives of the international federation, is aware of this and ready," she added.
    The builders can supposedly only be surprised by the weather now. It would only take it to snow and start freezing. "That would be bad," Pecháč admitted. He hopes the weather will stay above freezing without snow for another three weeks. "From mid-November, we can switch to winter mode," he stated. He has no concerns about the lack of snow; his employees know how to prepare snow, including snowmaking, within a week.