Logo trouble about Hirscher's skis: Now the FIS is apparently threatening

Van Deer-Red Bull Sports had planned to present the company logo on a ski from its own production for the first time in an FIS competition during the night giant slalom. Shortly before the race, however, a threatening letter was received from FIS President Johan Eliasch, according to which Van Deer pilot Henrik Kristoffersen could even lose his racing license if it actually happens. “That’s why we said, keep picking,” explained Anton Giger, one of the company’s managing directors.

“The background was that we received a letter in which Henrik was warned that if he drove with the logo he could lose his license. For us, of course, the athlete comes first, so we don’t risk anything,” said the Salzburg native, who joined ex-ski superstar Marcel Hirscher’s company last year.

They don't want to use the athletes - which include the Norwegian Timon Haugan and the Briton Charlie Raposo in the alpine area - as "playthings". “It’s not that important whether we drive with the logo today or in a week or two.”

Timon Haugan also skis with the taped, black Van Deer skis. © APA / EXPA/JOHANN GRODER

The return to the old policy was then decided at very short notice. A quarter of an hour before the start of the race on Wednesday, 17.45:XNUMX p.m., Van Deer-Red Bull Sports sent out a press release in which they announced that they would be abandoning the gluing campaign. “Since the ski with the current design is now available in stores, all FIS regulations will be complied with after consultation with experts,” it said. “We had an open and constructive exchange with those responsible at FIS throughout the season,” Giger was quoted as saying in the next paragraph.

Giger wants to protect athletes These are questions such as the distinction between when it becomes an independent product identity and when advertising for other brands takes place within the meaning of the FIS rules. After investing, Red Bull holds 50 percent of the Hirscher-founded Van Deer. Since then, both the deer and the bull have been vying for attention in the logo. “I focus on skiing” Henrik kristoffersen “We follow the rules very closely, and one rule is that the design has to be commercially available. That wasn't the case in October, but it is clearly the case now. In principle, you can buy it in stores, even if most of them are sold out,” explained Giger. “According to the experts, we have met all the requirements and we want to ski these skis as normal.”

There will be further consultations in the company on Thursday. At the weekend, the German Andreas Wellinger wants to jump to the highest distances while ski flying on the Kulm with Van Deer equipment. The man who is the focal point of the case with his good performance seems to be least affected by the political games surrounding his work equipment. “I’m focusing on skiing,” said Henrik Kristoffersen after his fifth place in the giant slalom. “It was the same ski. I certainly wanted to go with the logo because it looks good. But it’s not my decision,” the Norwegian made clear.

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Logo trouble about Hirscher's skis: Now the FIS is apparently threatening

The new ski brand Van Deer-Red Bull Sports wanted to enter the race with its company logo for the first time at the World Cup giant slalom in Schladming on Wednesday. A threatening letter from the FIS apparently prevented this.

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