Ski Jumping World Cup in Val di Fiemme 2025 Canceled: Challenges and Plans for the Future
The upcoming Ski Jumping World Cup scheduled to take place in Val di Fiemme, Predazzo, Italy, in January 2025 has been unexpectedly canceled. This event was intended to serve as a test for the 2026 Olympic Games, but construction delays at the facility have led to its postponement.
Delay in Construction
The Organizing Committee for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games informed the International Ski Federation (FIS) that the ski jumping venue would not be ready in time. The Province of Trento, responsible for the venue’s management, cited significant delays, with the handover now expected by the end of April 2025.
Impact on the World Cup Calendar
This delay means that the planned FIS Men’s and Women’s Ski Jumping World Cup on January 11 and 12, 2025, cannot proceed. FIS Race Director Sandro Pertile acknowledged the disruption this causes, particularly for the crucial preparation of the Olympic Games. Test events are essential for ensuring the smooth execution of the Games, making this cancellation a notable setback.
Alternative Plans: Summer Grand Prix Competitions
Despite the challenges, Pertile remains optimistic and has developed a contingency plan. The venue is expected to be ready by April or May 2025, and FIS has been assured of this timeline. Consequently, Grand Prix competitions will be organized at the facility during the summer of 2025. These events will include individual, men’s super team, and mixed team competitions, providing the necessary experience and testing ahead of the Olympics.
Summer Training Opportunities
In addition to the summer competitions, the facility will be open for training during the summer of 2025. This availability will allow teams to familiarize themselves with the venue and conduct essential tests, further preparing for the Olympic events.
Experience and Expertise in Predazzo
Pertile expressed confidence in the experienced organizing committee in Predazzo. With a history of hosting World Cups since 1990, the team is well-versed in event management and logistics. This expertise is expected to mitigate some of the disruptions caused by the cancellation.
A Brief Respite in the World Cup Calendar
As a silver lining, the cancellation of the January 2025 event provides a brief respite in the World Cup calendar, following the demanding Four Hills Tournament. This break will allow athletes and organizers to regroup and prepare for the remainder of the season.
In conclusion, while the cancellation of the Ski Jumping World Cup in Val di Fiemme 2025 presents challenges, FIS’s proactive approach and the plans for summer competitions and training ensure that preparations for the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Games remain on track.
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Marcel Hirscher: A Remarkable Alpine Skiing Comeback with the Netherlands
Marcel Hirscher, the Austrian maestro of Alpine skiing who left the sport at the pinnacle of his career in 2019, is poised to make a stunning return to competition next season under the Dutch flag. At 35 years old, Hirscher’s decision to return to the slopes stems from his enduring passion for the sport and his desire to once again test his limits on the world stage.
Announcing his comeback through a press release from the Dutch ski federation, Hirscher expressed his genuine enjoyment for skiing and his eagerness to compete once more. Patrick Riml, the ski racing director at Red Bull, Hirscher’s sponsor, revealed that Hirscher had been contemplating a return for several years before finally committing to the decision.
Eligible to represent the Netherlands due to his Dutch heritage through his mother, Hirscher’s request to switch nationalities was approved by the Austrian ski federation. The International Ski Federation (FIS) must also ratify his switch, paving the way for his anticipated return to competitive skiing.
Hirscher’s comeback journey will begin with lower-level FIS races in New Zealand in August, where he aims to accumulate the necessary points to rejoin the World Cup circuit. His ultimate goal is to compete at the world championships in Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Austria, in the upcoming season, demonstrating his unwavering ambition and determination.
Despite his retirement in 2019, Hirscher has remained dedicated to the sport, continuing to train rigorously and test his equipment throughout the winter seasons. With plans to compete in both slalom and giant slalom events, Hirscher’s return has reignited speculation about his ability to compete at the highest level.
Acknowledging Hirscher’s unparalleled talent and previous achievements, Riml emphasized that “Marcel is Marcel,” underscoring the Austrian skier’s enduring legacy in the sport. With two Olympic gold medals, five individual world titles, and 67 World Cup race victories to his name, Hirscher’s return adds a new chapter to his illustrious career.
As he prepares to embark on this new chapter, Hirscher’s comeback represents a beacon of hope and inspiration for fans worldwide. While his focus remains on the upcoming season, the possibility of his participation in future Olympics remains uncertain. Riml emphasized the importance of taking each step of the journey as it comes, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of competitive sports.
With Marcel Hirscher’s return to Alpine skiing, the Netherlands eagerly anticipates the resurgence of its presence on the slopes, as one of the sport’s most celebrated champions prepares to make his mark once again on the world stage.
Source: https://www.nbcsports.com/olympics/news/marcel-hirscher-netherlands-comeback-alpine-skiing
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