The ban that can change races: « often gets cramped »
In the Vasaloppet on Sunday, which is part of the Long Race Cup SKI Classics, the elite skiers will stand all the way from start to finish. But the World Cup in Trondheim does not have the opportunity to do the same.
The International Ski Association (FIS) wants to promote traditional diagonal skiing in cross -country skiing – because there are so many people learn to ski in the first place – and have therefore introduced so -called technology zones in classic races. In those zones, the riders are not allowed to stand.
– If we look at the (long -running cup) ski classics where you just stakes, I think it's pretty boring to look at so I want to keep the diagonal technology for as long as possible. But if it is right to have prohibition zones … I think more debate is needed, national team manager Anders Byström tells DN.
Ebba Andersson missed The zone during one of the distance races in the Tour de Ski and was warned. Johanna Hagström made the same mistake in the sprint in Cogne. For Hagström, the bang became double – since she already had a yellow card since a start earlier in the season, she was disqualified.
You got a yellow card, but is it still good that these zones exist?
– On some occasions yes. But it is a lot about how to lay them. The purpose is, however, that we should not go on just shiny skis (skis without fastening), because then you can stick to Ski Classics as FIS looks at the matter, answers Ebba Andersson.
– It's a bit tough when they come in places where it gets a little unnatural for one to diagonal. So be the case in Cogne and then it is clear that you get a little extra annoyed, Johanna Hagström replies and continues:
– So I want to keep the diagonal skiing, but I think « drop it » at some competitions, let people get stack if they want it.
Anders Byström is inside the same track. He understands the purpose but also points out the importance of the zones being on a part of the track where it benefits the rider to diagonal.
– Often, the zones get a little crushed. But if you have a sufficiently tough track, it will not be worthwhile to stand all the way.
Letting people make their own choice could make races more exciting, he believes. The fact that the zones are located means that most people choose to go with a bracket.
How easy/difficult is it to keep track of where those zones are?
– It should not be difficult. But it is on the rider's responsibility to know where they are and you can see that when you go the track, both the day before it should be exposed and on the heating, so it is not possible to blame that you did not see them.
Moa Ilar has managed From warning in the World Cup this winter but obviously noted what her teammates happened to.
– It is not conscious that you want to cheat that you do wrong, but maybe more that you want to adapt the technology to your skis.
– It's a shame it turns yellow cards and it's a difficult question. But, it is a balance what goes by and if it is then a race, then maybe you have to keep these zones to preserve the classic skiing.
A thief start in a roller ski race in the preseason should not get a washed in a World Cup. Therefore, the warnings that riders have taken on the World Cup do not count during the weeks in Trondheim.
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