Decision of the world association
Ski ace angry because of “wishy-washy rule”
November 6, 2025 – 2:09 p.mReading time: 1 min.
The Fis takes safety measures after several falls – but its new rule on carbon protection sparks a discussion.
The safety of athletes is an ongoing issue in the Ski World Cup, but the latest decision by the World Federation Fis raises questions. After several serious crashes last season, the association has restricted the use of carbon protectors. If they are firmly connected to the inner shoe, they are okay, otherwise not.
This partially relaxed regulation meets with little understanding from individual drivers, for example Otmar Striedinger: “It’s the next wishy-washy regulation from the Fis. Neither fish nor meat! In the end, nothing has changed – except that the Fis can say it has banned it.”
“I’m excited to see what debates we’ll have after the first races,” added the 34-year-old.
Striedinger takes a more positive view of the introduction of cut-resistant underwear, which is now mandatory. This measure is a small but important step. At the same time, he complains about the association’s hesitant reaction: “We drivers have been appealing to the Fis for years. But it was like that 30 years ago – it always takes an accident before something happens.”
The new World Cup season begins for Striedinger on November 27th with the Super-G in Copper Mountain – the first World Cup competition at this location in 24 years. After a difficult winter, in which 13th place in Kitzbühel was his best result, he wants to attack again: “I had good preparation. My goal is the Olympics – and I won’t be satisfied with mediocrity.”