Four men ride in their traditional wooden sledge during the annual Bavarian sledge race in the Alpine resort of Garmisch-Partenkirchen January 6, 2008. The sledge race is an annual fun event to remember the traditional way of bringing hay, straw and wood down from the Alpine mountains to the valley. REUTERS/Wolfgang Rattay (GERMANY)

Four men jump ride in their traditional wooden sledge during the annual Bavarian sledge race in the Alpine resort of Garmisch-Partenkirchen January 6, 2008. The sledge race is an annual fun event to remember the traditional way of bringing hay, straw and wood down from the Alpine mountains to the valley. REUTERS/Wolfgang Rattay (GERMANY)

Four competitors ride in their traditional wooden sledge during the annual Bavarian sledge race in the Alpine resort of Garmisch-Partenkirchen January 6, 2008. The sledge race is an annual fun event to remember the traditional way of bringing hay, straw and wood down from the Alpine mountains to the valley. REUTERS/Wolfgang Rattay (GERMANY)

A huge flame comes out of a hand-cannon held by traditionally dressed Bavarian Alpine mountaineer as he fires a salute to start the annual sledge race in the southern German town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen January 6, 2008. REUTERS/Wolfgang Rattay (GERMANY)