Levi passes snow control, more athletes suffer injuries
The first World Cup slalom races of 2016-17 will take place in Levi, Finland on Nov. 12-13, 2016. The announcement came following the official snow control on Friday by FIS Race Director Markus Mayr.
“Green light is on for Levi,” he said via the World Cup Levi Facebook page. “Snow control day today and everything is okay. Let’s go!”
After a cancellation last season due to mild weather, the Finnish resort was keen to host the men’s and women’s slalom races on the Levi Black this year. Fortunately, the temperatures have been cold enough to produce plenty of snow, and the updated snowmaking system proved to be efficient.
Like Soelden, Levi has became a traditional stop on the World Cup tour, and it will be celebrating its tenth anniversary this year. While athletes like last year’s slalom globe winner, Frida Hansdotter, and the U.S. Ski Team’s Resi Stiegler look to start the season, a few athletes have suffered recent injuries.
Young Swiss talent Charlotte Chable broke a bone in her ankle at the beginning of October. After a six-week break, she should be back on the slopes, but will not start in Levi. Eva-Maria Brem, last year’s giant slalom globe winner, broke her left leg in slalom training on Friday and will be off snow for four to six months.
Additionally, knee problems prevented French tech skier Taina Barioz from skiing her best, so she decided to skip the opening giant slalom in Soelden in order to come back stronger. She plans to race in Killington at the end of November. Austrian Anna Veith, who skipped Soelden when she didn’t feel 100 percent, has said that she will not compete until after the North American races later this month and is focusing on a comeback when the tour returns to Europe.
Outside of the technical events, Switzerland’s Fabienne Suter suffered a strain in her right knee after a crash in the super-G training. Suter, who ended up third in the super-G standings last season, had to stop training, but should be back for the speed season opening in Lake Louise.
About the Author: Gabbi Hall
