Garmisch-Partenkirchen 2011 Alpine World Ski Championships
Star of the international women’s circuit, current No. 1 in the World Cup classification and the nation’s darling – she was born in Garmisch – she joins Bode Miller and Dario Cologna as an ambassador for Hublot.
A white Aero Bang Garmisch will be unveiled to mark the occasion.
Hublot is further strengthening its presence and brand image in the world of skiing! Maria Riesch (born 24th November 1984 in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Bavaria) has become our number one Alpine skier. Double Olympic champion in the Super Combined and Slalom at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics, she took the Gold Medal in the Slalom at the Val d’Isère 2009 World Championships and is currently No. 1 in the FIS* classification.
There was an immediate spark between the hugely talented skier, with her winner’s mentality, and Jean-Claude Biver, CEO of Hublot. Now, at the top of her game and on excellent form, she has even greater ambitions for these World Championships, taking place in her home territory from the 7th to the 20th of February 2011. She currently leads the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup General Classification.
The Maria Riesch phenomenon
Hailing from a long line of female all-round skiers, Maria Riesch began skiing in her native Bavaria at just three years of age. Entering the World Cup very early on, the many-time Junior World Champion distinguished herself from the very beginning, finishing in the top 10 several times, particularly in the slalom. Her meteoric rise was hampered by serious injuries which frequently kept her off the slopes. Spared injury since the 2006-2007 season, she has reached the highest level of the sport, with exceptional performances in both speed events (downhill and Super G) and technical contests (giant slalom and special slalom). She is now a star of the world circuit and the leading figure in German Alpine skiing.
Hublot, Official Timekeeper for the world of skiing
Hublot has always been closely linked to the mountains and skiing. Of course, this is partly due to its origins, and the Swiss culture that underpins its values, but also to its deep attachment to the world of sport in general. In the luxury watchmaking world, Hublot is an ultra-inventive brand that has formed extraordinary associations with sports such as football, Formula 1, sailing and polo, and always at the very highest level.
In 2010, Hublot was the first luxury brand to forge links with competitive skiing. Champion skiers Bode Miller and Dario Cologna became its distinguished ambassadors and the watch brand was appointed “Official Timekeeper” for the FIS Ski World Championships, not only in the Alpine discipline (Garmisch-Partenkirchen, 7th – 20th February 2011) but also in Nordic skiing (Oslo, 24th February – 6th March 2011).
Having signed a long-term partnership as official Time Keeper and Official Watch with the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships, Hublot now has a presence at all races, both at the start in the shape of a Hublot clock and on the large screens at the finish, as well as on the aerials of all the TV channels broadcasting the races.
In Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Hublot will also be the “Official Watch” of the Swiss-Ski House 2011, the rallying point for the champions and all the supporters throughout the competition. A 4-metre high Hublot totem clock will be installed on-site to welcome visitors.
The watch brand has also been involved in organising the celebrations for the 100th anniversary of the first ever Alpine ski race at Crans Montana, with the installation of a commemorative plinth and the organisation of a full weekend of events on the 2nd and 3rd of April featuring appearances from numerous skiing champions and legends, including Dario Cologna. It is also a partner of the Courchevel Ski School which aims to encourage the transmission of expertise and help secure the future of skiing, thus reaffirming its strong attachment to the values of sharing and respect.
*FIS Women’s Alpine Ski World Cup on 24th January 2011
