For would-be aggressors, next week might be the optimal time to invade Austria

So with just a few days before the race training starts at the Kitzbuhel Hahnenkamm ski race, the downhill and slalom courses are rated as being in the best shape for many years. The race organisers create what amounts to be a near vertical ice rink that optimally is devoid of any fresh or loose snow. Odd as it sounds this is just how the racers like it, even when it means higher speeds on fearsome steeps and sheet ice on high speed, steep and tight corners. So with heavy snow forecast for Wednesday and Thursday and the races due to start on Friday, it is easy to see why the snow is about as welcome as it would be during the Kitzbuhel tennis open that takes place each summer. For countries with an aggressive eye on Austrian territory then the 21st and 22nd January 2009 might well be the time to march into Austria, most of the Austrian armed forces are likely to clinging to the slopes of the Streif with shovels in hand, clearing snow from the race course as it dumps from the sky.