Meet the new FIS Telemark World Cup Race Director

After two decades as Race Director, Andreja Jovan bid farewell to the FIS Telemark World Cup at the end of the 2023-24 season in Pra-Loup (FRA), concluding her tenure on a high note with the successful Junior World Championships and World Cup finals. Adrian Pery has been appointed as her successor.

The native of southern England, an alpine skier in his younger years before falling in love with Telemark, is preparing for his first season as the head of the Telemark World Cup. With his experience as a competitor in alpine skiing, then in Telemark, but most importantly, with extensive experience in organizing races at various levels and in different roles, and as FIS Technical Delegate, he is determined to contribute to the ongoing effort to gain greater recognition for the discipline that he is passionate about. Let’s get to know the new FIS Telemark World Cup Race Director.

Adrian, when and how did you start Telemark skiing?

I started telemark skiing in Verbier in the early 90s. The first time was when the weather was too bad for the lifts and any alpine training, so we hired telemark skis and were taught by a Norwegian colleague, hiking up and down but I loved it so much I got my own leather boots and skinny skis and was off. Three days later I was trying out the black bump runs and as soon as I stopped alpine racing I never looked back.

What did you learn as a former racer?

I raced alpine in the British Army in the early 90s and then later raced Telemark, starting the modern era of telemark racing in the British forces. I subsequently raced on the GB team in the 2007/08 season but stopped after a training accident in November 2008. I was passionate enough, or perhaps mad enough, for the sport that I was back hobbling on crutches to run races by January 2009 and I have been officiating ever since. I believe that having raced both alpine and telemark I have an understanding of the needs of the racer, the pressures they face in competition and an understanding of what makes for good safe racing. This, together with having worked as an organizer and official for many years, helps me balance the various conflicts and priorities that arise at high level events.

How do you see Andreja’s heritage and what are your perspectives and goals for the next season?

Andreja Jovan has left an amazing legacy, and we owe her a huge debt of gratitude, it will be a hard act to follow. Over the last decade the races have become better organized and are far more professional than ever, both in terms of consistent standards as well as presentation and media influence; it is shame that the pandemic set us back. I hope to continue along that path, working with others that are equally passionate, in order to help us become the World Class sport that we should be.

How do you see the future of Telemark racing?

Telemark skiing has so much potential with passionate participants and supporters. It is limited by the lack of money not only to support athletes and organizers but also to encourage manufacturers to continue to develop and produce strong light and reliable equipment. We can influence this by having well-managed events that encourage all newcomers but most especially the young future racers. If we are successful in being a part of the FIS games in 2028, that will then be a great boost to the sport financially as well as promoting the sport within competition and outside of it. This in turn will encourage more athletes, so we need to demonstrate that we are ready for that level of competition and exposure. After that who knows, but success will bring other challenges that we need to prepare for.

What would you like to say to the World Cup racers ahead of next season?

When I started Telemark, I loved the camaraderie that existed within it, and no-where more so than on the race circuit where the more experienced racers helped the other racers, irrespective of nationality and ability; this is something so special and it would be very sad if we lost it. We should strive to maintain the camaraderie, civility and friendly rivalry, even as we strive towards professionalism and consistency in our preparation and delivery of races. I fully support the work of the athletes’ representatives and it is important that we listen to their feedback on how we can improve things for them, balancing their input against the needs of the sport from other angles, including media and organizational. I wish all the athletes all the best in their pre-season preparations and am very much looking forward to seeing them all on the slopes this coming season.

FIS wishes Adrian every success in his new role.