A new “F1 model” is being planned for hill jumping.
Clas Brede Bråthen (right) has a big vision. PDO
Huge reforms are planned for hill jumping, a Norwegian newspaper Dagbladet write.
According to the magazine, Norway’s ski jumping boss Clas Brede BråthenCompetition Director of the International Ski Federation Sandro Pertile and the United States Ski Association Rex Bell met in the fall in Italy and discussed the changes to the sport.
Bråthen says that the big clubs are thinking about, among other things, increasing the flying hills of ski jumping even further.
– I have to think about what ski jumping basically is. It is a sport that is spectacular, entertaining and extreme. Hill jumping needs to be further developed. More needs to be done about it ExtremeBråthen tells Dagbladet.
For example, the flying hill in Vikersund, which has a world record of 253.5 meters, can be expanded so that the jumps would carry 265 meters, according to the Norwegian boss.
More audiences are also needed for hill jumping.
– The sport must become more global. We need more participating countries. We also want a longer season, says Bråthen.
Bråthen has previously envisioned extending the jumping season from fall to spring for Dagbladet. Now there is already talk of a massive season like F1.
– Maybe I don’t mean the games every weekend. But I’m thinking of a model like F1, where big events are held at the top level. Then there would be a level below where there would be less money and fewer World Cup points.
Bråthen also compares his plan to tennis, where ATP and Grand Slam tournaments are held.