FIS In Brief - On The Snow: Telemark And Speed Skiing In Action
At the start of February, the FIS Telemark World Cup circuit moved to Krvavec (SLO). Heavy snowfall on arrival led to the jury making the decision to cancel the first race, the sprint. However, the parallel sprint the following day went ahead as planned.
The racing concluded with Jasmin Taylor (GBR) taking the win ahead of Argeline Tan-Bouquet (FRA), and Beatrice Zimmermann (SUI) edging out ahead of Johanna Holzmann (GER) in the small final to take third position.
In the men’s race, Stefan Matter (SUI) took his second World Cup victory in parallel sprint, beating Trym Nygaard Loeken (NOR) in a closely fought final. French veteran, Phil Lau, went into third place, taking his 105th World Cup podium and finishing ahead of Swiss rival Bastien Dayer in the small final.
The FIS Telemark World Cup will resume in Rjukan (NOR) from 14th-17th March before concluding in Mürren (SUI) with the World Cup Finals and Junior World Championships at the end of March.
Follow FIS Telemark on Twitter and Instagram for live updates.
Speed Skiing
Salla (FIN), north east of Rovaniemi, is also known as “The middle of nowhere”. Racers were greeted by temperatures as low as -27º C on arrival, which rose to a high of -10ºC during the race days from 9th-11th February.
Simone Origone (ITA) is proving the man to beat this season, so far winning three of four races. An overall victory for Simone would add a 10th crystal globe to his collection, further establishing him as the most successful Speed Ski athlete in history.
Manuel Kramer (AUT) and Bastien Montes (FRA, 2017 World Champion and World Cup winner) filled the podium places on both days.
In the ladies’ category both World Cup podiums were led by Valentina Greggio (ITA, 2017 World Champion and World Cup winner) followed by Celia Martinez (FRA) and Karine Dubouchet Revol (FRA).
In the overall standings, having won all of four races so far, Valentina leads with 400 points, followed by Celia with 320 in a consistent second place. On the men’s side, Manuel Kramer, with 320 points, will be the favourite to cut down on Simone’s 40 point lead in the overall standings (360).
The next three World Cup races will be held in Sun Peaks (CAN) from 4th-7th March.
