Saslong Ready to Race, Change in Program
The ski World Cup circuit has arrived in Val Gardena/Gröden and has been met by a ready-to-race Saslong in (almost) perfect conditions. This evening, FIS Race Director Markus Waldner announced to the coaches that both training runs are taking place, the Downhill is moving to Friday and the Super-G to Saturday.
The Team Captain’s Meeting on Tuesday night constitutes the traditional and official opening act of the World Cup racing week in Val Gardena/Gröden. This year, the coaches and officials were particularly curious due to the lack of snow and weather conditions that have negatively impacted the World Cup calendar so far. FIS Race Director Mr. Waldner, who is opening his job as responsible for the races in the World Cup right here in Val Gardena/Gröden was bearer of good news as the Saslong track is in good conditions despite the precarious snow conditions. Mr. Waldner: “The course was practically still a meadow on December 3rd, but the Organizers have made enough snow in three nights. The track is in good condition, thus allowing us to go ahead with two training runs as well as both races.”
There is, however, a change. Originally, the Downhill was planned for Saturday, the Super-G for Friday. “We decided to reverse the order in which the races are taking place. Thus, the Downhill will be raced on Friday, and the Super-G on Saturday. The reason is simple. Given that there isn’t a lot of snow to start with, we are trying to “move” it as little as possible and thus we made this change to the program. Instead of changing the course from the Downhill training to the Super-G and then back again to a Downhill, we’re doing the Downhill first. I’m certain that everyone will support our decision.” Also OC Race Director Rainer Senoner agreed that it was quite tight with the course this year: “A week ago, we couldn’t even have dreamed to be sitting here tonight. It is a small miracle. Despite a course that is ready for the races, the weather conditions are such that it will still be a very challenging week.”
FIS Delegate Edi Dreschl was surprised at how much snow there is on the track. “The course is in good conditions. I’m still surprised that team has been able to pull this together. Its’ good to go.”
There will be a few racers wearing Dainese protective gear this year on the Saslong to continue the test program with FIS. Aside from the Team Captain’s Meeting in Selva/Wolkenstein, the FIS also confirmed the Slalom in Madonna di Campiglio for December 22nd.Â
The NEW Racing Program:
- Wednesday, 12/18: 12:15 pm Downhill Training
- Thursday, 12/19: 12:15 pm Downhill Training
- Friday, 12/20: 12:15 pm Downhill
- Saturday, 12/21: 12:15 pm Super-G
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