Reinfried Herbst:

“Top police athletes always have a plan B”

Reinfried Herbst with a colleague during recruiting in Schladming(Bild: Sepp Pail)

Nightrace winner and police officer Reinfried Herbst coordinates the top police athletes for the Ministry of the Interior. He chatted to us about his two Schladming triumphs and the benefits for athletes in law enforcement.

When Reinfried Herbst comes to Schladming, he revels in the memories. No wonder, as the former ski star himself won the Nightrace twice in a row. The first time he achieved what many can only dream of was in 2009. "The fans created a fantastic atmosphere. The flags were waving right up to the piste, you only passed people at a short distance. Bengals were lit, the snow glowed red. And thanks to the announcements, I knew that I was in front. I knew I had to keep going," recalls the 46-year-old. In 2010, he managed another amazing run. However, the ride went completely the opposite way: "I left the start house and woke up at the finish as the winner. It was like being in a trance, my legs were working like machines. I can no longer say how I got to this state. It just happened."

Reinfried Herbst celebrates his Nightrace victory(Bild: EPA)

The 46-year-old, who coordinates the top police athletes for the Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI), is now passing on his experience to his protégés. At the Nightrace, these are Patrick Feuerstein, Raphael Haaser, Johannes Strolz and Fabio Gstrein. But what advantages do top police athletes actually enjoy? Herbst: "Clearly the dual training. You have to remember that sooner or later your career as an athlete will be over. So it's great to have a plan B. The tasks in the police force are so varied, from traffic service, alpine police, pilot to criminal investigation service. That's great!"