Alexis Pinturault believes some things need to change in the ski circus. © APA/afp / FRANCOIS-XAVIER MARIT

Ski race in August: Now Pinturault speaks

Alexis Pinturault sees a possible future for alpine skiing as a year-round sport. The Frenchman was commenting on the numerous cancellations of the Matterhorn races.

24 November 2023

From: do

The fact that winter sports are outdoor sports and that organizers, fans and athletes are ultimately always dependent on the whims of nature has been proven not least by the Matterhorn debacles. Points were not awarded in any of the eight planned races during the current and previous seasons; all of them were canceled due to weather conditions. The FIS has to answer questions from all sides as to whether these speed weekends in Zermatt/Cervinia actually make any sense. Above all, the scheduled date in November is also raising eyebrows among ski aces like Aleksander Aamodt Kilde and Alexis Pinturault. The Frenchman even thinks one step further.

“Why don’t we hold a World Cup race on the Matterhorn Glacier in June? I see no reason why we can't evolve from a seasonal to a year-round sport. After the Matterhorn races in early summer, we could compete in South America, New Zealand or Australia in August and September,” Pinturault philosophized in an interview blicker.

The Matterhorn has not yet allowed a World Cup race. © ANSA / JEAN-CHRISTOPHE BOTT

In any case, an interesting approach from the Frenchman, who advocates a longer and less concentrated racing calendar. Nevertheless, these are considerations for the future that must first be reached by those responsible at the FIS, who remain stubborn about the Matterhorn races and only recognize November as a possible date.