Finally, a change in the FIS World Cup programme we all could get behind: Years after IBU successfully introduced it biathlon, a mixed relay is coming to skiing. In 4 × 5km format with ladies anchoring & finishing the race!
FIS Conference in Dubrovnik introduced yet another change: Alpe Cermis climb, the last stage of Tour de Ski is reverting to being a mass-start again. For once it's hard to complain: overtaking on that almost 400 meter altitude gain climb is going to be quite a show for all spectators. Participants, however, are not universally keen: Sjur Røthe, one of the world's best climbers ,already spoke negatively about the change.
Hello, yesterday! From 2021 Holmenkollen 30/50k race, the only long-distance competition on the World Cup roster, is going back to being an individual start race. It was that in the past but since 2009 it's a mass start, alternating between classic and freestyle. Let us guess: ski purists will love it, less discerning/younger crowd - not so much. TV bosses - even less so. Pictured: start of 30k C at Holmenkollen-2019
Remember the Summerski Project, a valiant effort by Lars Englund from Bollnäs, Sweden to develop & promote plastic surface that feels exactly like snow? It's moving forward - here you see the first Summerski track taking shape: [caption id="attachment_11550" align="alignnone" width="1280"] the first Summerski track is being built on the property of Bollegården Sports Hotel that Lars Englund owns[/caption] Mr. Englund and his partner & adviser in the project, none else but all-time-great Thomas Wassberg ( yes, the Olympic champion of Lace Placid, Sarajevo and Calgary) hope to have the track finished early summer and already plan the first competition, scheduled for late August. [caption id="attachment_11549" align="alignnone" width="1280"] the track is going to run some 400 meteres on the loop and have a few ( gentle) climbs. The profile actually…
We all know that professional sport is unfair. Technical sport like cross country skiing - double so. For a while now the battle for medals was largely happening between the teams that could afford $500K+ wax trucks Packed to the brim with the latest technology - including, arguably, the most important device of all: portable grinding machines. Well, no more - this week FIS introduces a ban on bringing of grinding machines to the Olympics, the World Championship and the World Cup in attempt to remove at least one important advantage rich teams hitherto had. Remains unclear how compliance with new regulations is going to be checked. On the photo: inside Team Russia truck. Along with the Norwegians, the Swedes etc., the Russians made a good use of portable grinding…