Massive numbers entered in World GS title races

The room was full. … twice. The Team Captain’s meeting ahead of tomorrow’s women’s giant slalom and then the men’s GS qualifier left little room for spectators as representatives from 55 different countries, representing 139 skiers fpr the women and 66 nations with 188 athletes, took up every bit of sitting space.

No question, it’s going to be tough to get them all down the hill, despite having two on the hill at all possible times after the first 30 have skied. The time frame is tight with a 10am start for the first run and a 1:30pm planned second run start. Less than half of the starters, 60, will be allowed to start the second run with the top 30 finishers starting in the reverse order of their finish.

Inspection times had to be split between two groups (the top 30 and everybody else) to avoid congestion on the race hill, though the sheer number of coaches and athletes will challenge organizers to keep the line clear enough for racers to see.

Sarah Lewis, Secretary General of the FIS closed the meeting saying, “Welcome to Schladming it a pleasure to see so many of you are able to attend the most important event of the international FIS calendar and enjoy this time together.”

There are even more men (188) looking to compete in their GS, but a qualifying race is expected to pare the entry list for the championship race down to 100 skiers.

Run orders will be determined in public draw.