Alpine skiing – men’s descent to Zermatt has been canceled

After the women’s giant slalom in Sölden, next week’s start for alpine skiers at the foot of the Matterhorn for men has now been cancelled. The slope of the slope, which begins in Zermatt, Switzerland and ends above Cervinia in Italy, lacks sufficient snow cover, especially in the lower part. This was announced by the International Rescue Federation (FIS) on Saturday. The two flights that were scheduled for October 29 and 30 will not be replaced.

The women are scheduled to compete twice on the slope “Gran Beca” a week later, on the 5th and 6th of November. Snow check should be done for this coming Tuesday, October 25th. Opening the Speed ​​is one of the prestigious projects of FIS President Johan Elias who wanted to fill in the “gaps in the calendar” until the World Cup in mid-November and send wonderful TV images of the panorama to the world.

Before the final cancellation, there were considerations to shorten the path from the bottom and raise the target further. In the end, these things were disposed of – for logistical and security reasons, since there are no fall areas either. “You know that if you bring a piste here just for speed, the off-piste safety space is also an important thing,” said Herbert Mandel, head of alpine skiing at ÖSV. “At the moment there are almost 300 meters missing,” Stefan Abplanalp, ski expert, told Swiss TV.

The top of the slope is intact

The top of the slope is intact, but you’ll also need some weather luck for the women’s races, i.e. cooler temperatures for the next few days. The finishing is located in Laghi Cime Bianche at an altitude of 2800 meters above sea level. “It’s a challenge to the regulator,” Mandel said. In the previous week, when the snow control was originally scheduled, the situation was in fact talking about canceling the men’s races. However, the organizers were given an additional deadline until (today) Saturday.

However, Austria’s men were already prepared for the news of the cancellation on Friday. “The relegation will be canceled and will not be added anymore, that’s for sure. It’s a shame,” said three-time Olympic champion Matthias Maier. Racing director Marco Pfeiffer stated: “There have been 14 downhill runs into 10 races, with 12 downhill still pretty good. We have enough sprints.” The slight overdrive on the World Cup calendar is now gone. After the races in Zermatt/Cervina have been cancelled, the men’s speed team will now train on the race ramp in Sölden. (Abba)