FIS Ski Cross team conducts site inspections and prioritises athlete safety ahead of 2023/24 season
Jul 25, 2023·Ski Cross
FIS Ski Cross Race Director Klaus Waldner and his team have recently undertaken an important site inspection tour. Their itinerary covered Alleghe (ITA), Innichen (ITA), a classic destination on the ski cross tour, and Bakuriani (GEO), the venue for the 2023 World Championships. These visits were part of the preparations for the upcoming 2023/24 season, which will feature 19 competitions for both women and men.
Alleghe, a new organizer on the circuit, is set to host its inaugural World Cup race this season, after last year's event had to be canceled due to an energy crisis. Waldner expressed optimism about the venue, noting, "For this year it [Alleghe] is looking really good." Due to a minor adjustment to the calendar, the competition in Alleghe will now take place in the first week of February.
Innichen, traditionally hosting its popular event just before the Christmas holidays, has been a staple of the ski cross tour since 2009. The FIS team's recent visit underscores Innichen's long-standing and valued role in the tour's success.
The team also visited Bakuriani, a venue that earned rave reviews after hosting the highly successful Bakuriani 2023 World Championships. The 2023/24 season will see Bakuriani once again in the spotlight, hosting back-to-back World Cup races in February.
In addition to the site inspections, Waldner attended a meeting with the Athletes Health Unit in Salzburg. The main topic was to enhance safety in the sport, discussing measures such as the use of airbags and cut-resistant underwear for athletes.
Waldner shared, "Last week, I was in a meeting with the Athletes Health Unit in Salzburg, where the main topic was to increase the safety in our sport." The meeting reflects FIS's commitment to ensuring the well-being of the athletes.
With 19 races stable in the calendar for the 2023/24 season, the FIS Ski Cross team is well on its way to delivering a thrilling and safe season for athletes and fans alike. As the preparations continue, the ski cross community can look forward to an exciting season of competition at some of the world's most beloved venues.
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