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…
Equal the field of play by limiting the ski testing possibilities ahead of races as much as possible: that the gist of new package of measures debated at the FIS Conference ongoing in Dubrovnik. Including but not limited to: - restrictions on skiing on the actual race trail both the day before and on the actual day of the competition. - limits on how many ski testers each national team could use. - limit the number of skis being tested. That's not it. Stay tuned for more bans & restrictions under discussion
