Ski stars attack the FIS: “Are you burying your head in the sand?”

Regardless of whether it comes from athletes, experts or managers, the FIS has regularly had to endure harsh criticism this winter. The great risk of injury, the supposed unfairness of the parallel competitions and the preparation of the slopes were the subject of a debate that is far from over. A few days before the end of the season, the focus is on the coronavirus and how to deal with it. The spokespersons are the Norwegian Leif Kristian Nestvold-Haugen and the Italians Luca De Aliprandini and Giuliano Razzoli. Italians see their health at risk The Italian Ski Association initially announced on Monday that the Azzurri would be competing in Kranjska Gora, before this decision was revised the next day. The reason for this is not only the restrictions imposed by the ski association itself, but also demands from the Slovenian authorities that were difficult or almost impossible to implement. “I am very disappointed that the season is ending this way, but the decision made by our association is probably correct,” says De Aliprandini, who is also annoyed: “I don’t understand why the FIS can’t manage one “To take a step back before it’s too late.” It just doesn't make sense, explains the Trentino native. “We (athletes, editor’s note) have traveled all over Europe, everyone can be infected, not just the Italians.”

Luca De Aliprandini is one of many FIS critics. © APA / GEORG HOCHMUTH

Razzoli is also surprised by the FIS's decision not to cancel the race in the Slovenian winter sports resort. “I hope that the FIS changes its mind. Sport has to rest in times like these,” claims the Italian. The Norwegian Nestvold-Haugen takes a much tougher stance against the international ski association. “Where are you (the FIS, editor’s note)? Why are you burying your head in the sand? If we want to deal with this problem seriously, then we have to set a good example, say that we are taking it seriously and are supporting Italy in this fight,” warns the Norwegian. “I don’t want to infect my grandmother” Leif Kristian Nestvold-Haugen And further: “Kranjska Gora is one of my favorite races, but if we want to go to the next races, we all have to drive or fly through the affected areas. And if I came home, I would have to quarantine for 14 days before I could see my family and friends. How come? In the last 14 days we have been to Japan, Austria, Germany, Norway and parts of the team were in Italy. I'm not afraid of getting sick, but I don't want to infect my grandmother when I come home," says Nestvold-Haugen angrily.

It remains to be seen whether the FIS will react to this. The races, which take place behind closed doors, will probably go ahead as planned. Because awarding the big crystal ball to Aleksander Aamodt Kilder “without a fight” is unthinkable at this point in time. And that's probably why overall World Cup runner-up Alexis Pinturault, who otherwise always advocates for the safety of athletes, is holding back on these issues.

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Ski stars attack the FIS: “Are you burying your head in the sand?”

The International Ski Association (FIS), in consultation with the national associations, has canceled the World Cup final in Cortina without replacement, but the last stop in Kranjska Gora should take place. This is met with incomprehension by many ski cracks.

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