A reminder that we will ski and shovel snow tomorrow during practice. Alain
Could Cross Country Cross Be Introduced On The World Cup?
FIS cross country committee chair Vegard Ulvang believes that a proposal to introduce the cross-country cross event on the World Cup circuit may come shortly.
The format, which includes heats of ten athletes competing on a track of jumps, slalom gates and turns, was tested at the Youth Olympic Games in Lillehammer last season. After a positive reception, there are talks of bringing the event to the senior category in the highest level of the sport. "Countries like Switzerland, France, Germany and Canada are taking a closer look at cross country cross now" says Ulvang. "They believe it is a good way to learn technique and cross country skiing, and there is no doubt that there will be a proposal to get this into the World Cup in one form or another".
NRK commentator Fredrik Aukland believes that it is natural for FIS to look to test this event after it's success at the Youth Olympic Games. "It is an event that might appeal to the younger generation". Still, he is still concerned about the implications of cross country cross replacing events on the World Cup Circuit. "I am afraid that there is a new addition, it will substitute something else.... But it may well be an alternative to today's sprint exercise" he says.
