Nothing To Be Sneezed At, FIS Alpine Ski World Cup, Yanqing Cancelled Due To Coronavirus

Due to the outbreak and continuing spread of the Novel Coronavirus, FIS, the Chinese Ski Association and its Yanqing Local Organising Committee, have jointly decided to cancel the upcoming men’s Audi FIS World Cup races scheduled for 15th-16th February 2020.

“It is with great regret that all of the stakeholders are obliged to take the difficult decision to cancel the World Cup races in Yanqing this season, as the historic first FIS Alpine Ski World Cup in China and the first official Beijing 2022 Test Event,” said FIS President Gian Franco Kasper. “Although the risk level in Yanqing is low, the health and welfare of the athletes and all participants must take priority. It is also imperative that athletes can focus on their performance and particularly on the completely new and very challenging course.

The first competitions on the new Olympic downhill course in Yanqing were carried out successfully as part of the 14th Chinese National Winter Games from 16th to 20th January. The FIS Technical Experts and Medical Supervisor who were present were very pleased with the new course and snow conditions, as well as the organisation of the event and mountain operations.

FIS will advise at a later date in regard to the rescheduling of the cancelled races from Yanqing: a downhill and a super-G.

The women’s Audi FIS World Cup downhill and super-G, which will serve as the Beijing 2022 Test Event will take place next season in March 2021 and efforts will be undertaken to schedule a test event for the men as well.