It was an extended flying session for the Austrian Nordic Combined team who went to Vienna together with the ladies’ ski jumping team this week to work on aerodynamics and flying technique specifically.

It was the sixth time that the Austrian teams had the chance to work in the Klima-Wind-Kanal of the Rail Tech Arsenal.

Where usually trains, busses and cars are tested concerning their aerodynamics, the athletes now had the chance for some extended flying time. In contrast to the some short seconds of flight on a hill, a session in the wind tunnel can last up to two minutes and is accompanied by a coach who gives input and corrections during the flight phase.

For the young team members Lukas Greiderer, Martin Fritz, Harald Lemmerer, Philipp Orter and Alexander Brandner, it was the first ever flights in the wind tunnel.

Lukas Klapfer, who preferred an individual preparation instead of taking part in the Summer Grand Prix this year was happy about the change of rhythm: „At the moment, I am still missing the comparison to other athletes but I have come to get to know my body pretty well by now and I can say my shape is on the right track. I am looking forward to when the snow preparation starts. The flights in the wind tunnel definitely were a welcome change until then.“

Source: the official FIS site