Security debate

FIS plan: “We want and need to ban this”

FIS Race Director Hannes Trinkl

(Bild: GEPA)

"We want to and must ban this", says FIS Race Director Hannes Trinkl about the carbon protectors used by some athletes. Heavy falls and serious injuries have triggered a safety debate in the ski circus. Trinkl has some possible solutions and reveals what the FIS is working on.

As in the previous year, this ski season has been characterized by numerous crashes and serious injuries. Last weekend in Kitzbühel, the rescue helicopter was called out more than once during the Super-G. ÖSV skier Lukas Feurstein was doomed on the Seidlalm curve, he missed a gate, caught, lost his left ski and landed in the safety net. The 23-year-old suffered a bruised boot edge, but still wants to compete in the giant slalom next Tuesday in Schladming.

Athletes and all those responsible agree: something has to be done. But how can the risk of falling be reduced? The safety debate was a key topic on Monday evening's "Sport & Talk" on ServusTV. "Every fall is analyzed," assured 2001 downhill world champion and FIS race director Hannes Trinkl. "We want to implement a few things next season."

"We want to and must ban carbon rails"
On the piste, for example, you could reduce the speed in certain sections and use less water. We could also "reduce the aggressiveness of the setup", says Trinkl, who sees the greatest potential in racing suits and carbon rails to avoid serious crashes and injuries.

Hannes Trinkl

(Bild: Birbaumer Christof)

Trinkl: "We want to and must ban carbon rails. Racing suits are the be-all and end-all, a lot can be implemented there. There are materials that make the athlete a little slower, the fabric can be thicker and warmer, or cuts in the racing suit - we are trying to implement this as quickly as possible."

Another point is the edge tuning, which Trinkl says needs to be made easier. "We would achieve an immediate effect there. And in the medium term, we could do a lot with the airbag."

Trinkl: "Training in downhill skiing is just as important. If you train downhill runs and close slopes, a rescue helicopter must also be available, which also involves costs." But the most important thing is: "The athletes have to be involved. They have to be able to prepare for this throughout the summer."

Next week in Saalbach, there will be a major FIS meeting on the topic of safety. Concrete solutions and implementation would be desirable.