Alpine TDs meet in Monaco

Hosted by the Monaco Ski Federation some sixty international technical delegates from France, Italy, Switzerland, Spain, Andorra and Monaco gathered for their annual Technical Delegates update meeting. The seminar at the foot of the famous rock of Monaco took place under the direction of Anne-Chantal Pigelet-Grévy, Secretary General of the French Ski Federation.

A major  focus of the seminar was safety, how to better protect athletes in an environment where zero risk does not exist. It was investigaged how research can help sport to create toolsand equipment that are more efficient and safer. What can be learned from other sports?

Pernilla Wiberg, triple Olympic medalist, resident of Monaco and Chair of the FIS Alpine Working Goup for Technical Equipment, presented the work done on helmets, back protectors, nets and protective mats. 

Brigitte Pasquier, Chief Medical Officer of the Monaco Grand Prix shed light on the evolution of protection put in place for the safety of drivers in Formula 1 and significantly enriched the debates. The evolution of equipment, the regulatory context, the notion of decision-making and responsibility andthe protocols to be followed were all crucial topics on the agenda.

Starting his training as a TD at the seminar was Yohann Taberlet, a former member of the France paralympic teams and a multi-medalist at the World Para Alpine Skiing Championshipsin Downhill and Slalom disciplines.

Some Alpine FIS Technical Delegates have been assigned to Para Snowsport races and are enriched by the experience. "This is a great opportunity for the Technical Delegates to adapt, to have a sharp look at the consequences of a fall when you are in a wheelchair, tracing adjustments when skiing on one leg, different categories of disability to perform a fair ranking. We see it, the two worlds learn from each other", Pigelet-Grévy said.

Yohann Taberlet will be present as an observer and trainee at two international FIS competitions next winter.