The FIS asks adjustment for Raw Air 2, but in Norway the nostalgic oppose

In Norway it does a great discussion about the next edition of Raw Air. The FIS has approved the existence of the event, but asked a series of changes, especially in key logistics. However, just one of these requests, is creating some controversy among experts, divided between traditionalists and innovators.

Monday 17 April 2017 7 minutes reading time

The first edition of Raw Air included 16 jumps in 10 days, whereas in the draft calendar of the World Cup is implied that next year the event should have the appearance of 12 jumps in 9 days. In fact they have been abolished event team. At the moment it has not been explained, but the fact that the points collected by the athletes in team events have value for final standings had raised concerns. In particular were two objections moves. -> It is an unfair format against jumpers nations without a team; -> There is a risk that an athlete struggling for success is undermined by others. For example, if one of his teammates should fall or be disqualified, the team could not participate in the second set. So contender for final victory would jump in and not be damaged by a third party. Beyond this change, the knot of contention is another. The FIS, in fact, asked that the next edition will start from Trondheim and not from Oslo. The reason is clearly logistic to streamline travel. This year, after the overture in the capital you have traveled 185 km to the north (Lillehammer), then another 350 km north (to Trondheim), and then make a trip to the south of 540 km (Vikersund). Start from Trondheim would entail making a first trip of 350 km to the south (Lillehammer) and other 185 south (Oslo) and finally 85 km west (Vikersund). Translated, the overall displacements would drop from about 1075 km to about 620, with a considerable saving of time (and resources), however, resulting in less strenuous. However, this rationalization does turn up their nose to some experts, as a program of this type would mean that the race is held in Oslo on Thursday and not Sunday. For example Arne Scheie, historical commentator of Norwegian TV now retired, is concerned that the midweek appointment has resulted in a low number of visitors, as the Sunday competition is seen as the end of the weekend, while detaching it make it a prologue the cross country trials would cause a collapse of the spectators. Even the legend of the Norwegian jumping BjÃ¸rn Wirkola said he was opposed, as they move to Thursday in Oslo the race would go against tradition and could lose prestige event. They responded sporting director of the Norwegian jumping team, Clas Brede BrÃ¥then, rather favorable to the change requested by the FIS. "Starting from Trondheim would also greater flexibility with regard to any of the races recoveries in case the weather is adverse. I also think we should wake up and join the modern world. Outside Norway nobody cares if Oslo is Sunday or Thursday. I hear talk of 'tradition', then why those uncomfortable does not remember that until the '60s not competed on Sunday? We have been asked to study the options for improving and developing Raw Air, you can not fall into discussions related to nostalgia. Among other things, Norway for decades has always opposed to any change. I would like to remind you that: -> Norway was against the imposition of the FIS; -> Norway was opposed to the establishment of the World Cup; -> Norway was contrary to the flight races on skis; -> Norway objected to the clearance of the V-jump technique; -> Norway was contrary to the artificial channels; -> Norway was contrary to fiberglass skis; -> Norway was contrary to the women's cross-country skiing; -> Norway was skeptical about the introduction of cross-country relay in the Olympic program; The truth is that history tends to punish those who stop and not remain in step with the times. Do you think that move on Thursday Oslo is so difficult? It is sufficient that the FIS decides to do it and you will. " The final decision on the matter will come to the end of May, when the schedule of the World Cup will be made official.

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