The Ski World Cup is stuck in the mood low on the last meters of the season. A number of race cancellations due to the unstable weather, difficult slope conditions and the possible premature end in view of the spread of the corona virus concern the pack. Quite unimpressed by this, a last ski festival on Austrian soil was celebrated this season in Hinterstoder.
The organizers wanted to get the final giant slalom on the stage on Monday, the preparation of the already badly damaged slope was not easy. The all-dominating topic Covid-19 left the Hinterstoder makers somewhat undisturbed. Except for precautionary measures – such as an enlarged corridor in the course of the start number drawing – the other processes did not have to be changed significantly.
The World Cup is currently heading for a continuation in Kvitfjell next weekend. “You see yourself in Norway,” said Markus Waldner, the men’s FIS race director on Sunday evening. The planning for the speed competitions in Northern Europe continued “as usual”. As in Hinterstoder, people trust the assessment of the local health authorities.
The World Cup final in three weeks in Cortina d’Ampezzo is still on the program as of Monday morning. However, no viewers should be admitted. A television broadcast promised Waldner that the next few days should show whether TV rights holders Infront and companies involved in the organization are sending their employees to the Veneto region affected by the outbreak of the epidemic.
Peter Schröcksnadel would like a word of power from the FIS colonels around President Gian Franco Kasper. The ÖSV boss, who himself sits on the FIS Council, has “stomach ache” because of the final in Cortina. But so far there has been little beyond the placebo effect for acute relief. The FIS announced a communique for the further procedure for Monday. From a technical point of view, the snow control is scheduled for March 5 in the Italian noble ski resort.
The world association is monitoring the situation. “The World Health Organization WHO and the national and local authorities will advise and inform us whether the races are possible or not,” said Peter Gerdol, head of women’s racing in La Thuile on Sunday, where the Alpine combination was canceled due to too much fresh snow.
A free weekend is waiting for the women, after no replacement could be found for the Ofterschwang races, which were canceled due to the weather. “We still have Aare and Cortina on the calendar,” said Gerdol. The ÖSV Speed Lords are already preparing for the trip to Norway scheduled for Tuesday. After that, the technology weekend in Kranjska Gora will be held before Cortina.
Source: APA
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