In a surprising turn of events, the ski racers plan to protest against the FIS actively! They intend to make clear their demands when it comes to the calendar.

Gathering secretly in Kvitfjell, the top speed racers orchestrated a clandestine meeting without coaches and officials. Markus Waldner, FIS race director, expressed his surprise, stating, “They met; it was an internal meeting without a coach and also without us.” However, secrets have a way of slipping out, as Waldner acknowledges, “It should remain secret until after the World Cup final. But apparently, some were a little faster.”

Leaks abound, revealing the athletes’ demands: an end to the grueling double races, bidding farewell to Zermatt/Cervinia while welcoming back Lake Louise with open arms. Acknowledging the racer’s prerogative, Waldner remarked, “They want to have a say in the calendar planning; that’s their right; after all, they’re the ones competing. Everything they say is justified.”

Joining the chorus of discontent, ÖSV head coach Marko Pfeifer emphasized the need for change. “The calendar as it is this year is unacceptable,” he declared, decrying the imbalance between technical and speed races. Pfeifer’s resolve remained unyielding, stating, “We have to make the high-quality races high-quality.”

In summary, the athletes’ grievances boil down to a call for change: an end to the status quo of double races, a recalibration of the racing calendar, and a plea for fewer yet more rewarding competitions. As the snow settles, only time will tell if the FIS heeds their cries for reform.

Source Credit: Heute