Six competitions – six Swedish victories.
That was the result after this weekend’s Scandinavian cup in Falun, where SportExpressen’s viewers got to see Karl-Johan Westberg, William Poromaa and Jonna Sundling dominate the competitions.
According to NRK Some skiers who took part in the competition did so with dubious material.
To the straight question “has there been cheating in Falun” answers Pierre Mignerey, competition director in Fis:
– Yes.
Cheating with fluoride in Falun
Mignerey confirms to NRK that a report states that the banned fluoride wall C8 was used in connection with the competitions.
– The report states that there were rumors about it and that the rumors were confirmed. Someone has admitted that they used C8 products. But why they did it, right, it does not appear in the report, he says.
The debate about a fluoride ban has been going on for several years in the ski world. The substance is harmful to the environment and humans, and there is a consensus that a transition to fluorine-free products must take place.
At present, however, it is the walls with fluoride that provide the best glide. The problem with a ban is that Fis has not found a solution to test the type of wall used on a ski. For that reason, the fluorine wall C6 is still allowed, but C8 is banned by law throughout the EU and therefore the national federations have signed an agreement not to use it during competitions. However, there is nothing in the formal competition rules.
– Thus, the rules are not formally broken. But this is not fair behavior. This must be raised to Fi’s highest body if we want to move forward with it, says Pierre Mignerey.
“Do not want to speculate in it”
Erland Husom, technical delegate during this weekend’s competitions, says:
– The jury got the case on the table, so we have processed it and sent on to Fis, what we saw and heard.
These are pure recognitions you have received, because it is not possible to prove in any other way?
– No, that’s right.
Is it relevant to act from your side?
– As far as I know, Fis has not dealt with a similar case before, so we have no regulations to relate to. It is up to Fis what happens next now.
What was the level of these riders, how could it affect the results?
– No, I do not want to speculate on how it may have affected the results.
You do not want to say if it could affect the podium in any race?
– No, we have nothing to say about that.
