In the best sporting scenario, the German ski racers have a stressful day at the World Championships in France today. With the team format and the qualification for the individual parallel races, there are two competitions on the program at two different locations.
“It’s laid out in an interesting way. I’m curious how this all turns out over time“, said technology specialist Lena Dürr. Men’s national coach Christian Schwaiger put it a little more clearly and spoke of a “completely stupid program“.
The team competition starts at 12.15 p.m. in Méribel, and at 5.30 p.m. in Courchevel, the qualification for the parallel individual race begins. “If we assume that we’ll perform at the front, then you’ll be in Méribel by two-thirty. If we want to do this sport seriously, there is actually no reason to do such a program“, criticized Schwaiger.
Change of location on skis or by car?
How do you get from A to B as quickly as possible? This question occupied those responsible in the German Ski Association on Monday. “We have to see whether you’re faster on skis or by car“, said Schwaiger. The service people would also have to be in Courchevel in time to prepare the skis again. “It’s going to be extremely tight time management. There’s actually no leeway” said Schwaiger.
Not only is the stress of traveling a challenge for the athletes, but also the strain of two competitions in one day. Despite everything, Schwaiger remains optimistic: “We have to deal with it now and the boys are fully motivated that we can do it.“The 16 best women and men in the qualification in the evening will take part in the individual races on Wednesday from 12 noon.