Alpine skiing – World Cup. “If it’s like in Garmisch and he scores…”: Sporting justice in Adelboden raises questions
Forget the postcard. The entire Bernese Oberland is covered in snow. This weekend, only a thin white ribbon awaits World Cup skiers and the public, due to the number of technical classics after the half-size covid in 2021 and the camera of 2022. More than one and a half kilometers of snow for the giant, six hundred meters for the slalom, were placed on the green slopes of the Swiss resort.
Witnessing a particularly mild winter in Western Europe, this photo went viral on social media, where reactions were particularly venomous.
From the first shot before the holiday and this ridiculous white corridor as a drop of water at the level of the arrival area. In the final image, the image that everyone will see on the site or in front of their television on Saturday and Sunday is not brighter, but it is enough to organize a high-level competition.
All Chuenisbärgli
“Adelboden is not in danger,” the circuit’s men’s racing director Markus Waldner reiterated throughout the day. FIS gave the green light, artificial snow appeared at the bottom of the track. By Friday, it was time to hit water and salt with a boost from the climate overnight from Friday to Saturday (and temperatures near zero) to harden things up. So that should be the entire route the Giants take this Saturday.
The run-to-the-finish course is dominated by economic stakes (sold out on Saturday, nearly sold out on Sunday) and image (cancelling one of the historic weekends would tarnish a resort that has experienced these challenges).
“If he’s like Garmisch and scores…”
But what are the results of sports? As in Garmisch-Partenkirchen on Wednesday, the risk of the route deteriorated very quickly. Bib 1, Henrik Kristoffersen basically applied himself.
“The same thing could happen here,” says Alexis Pinturault. In principle, between 1 and 7, we are not talking about sporting injustice, but if it is like in Garmisch and gets points… The apron was important, maybe too much for races of our level. You still have to ask yourself if these kinds of races are worth it knowing we’re at the top when it’s so soft. »
After 97 passes of the giants this Saturday, the slalomers will also have a lot to do on Sunday in Chuenisbärgli, where Marco Odermatt will run for his sequence in front of the public.
Today’s program
Giants (H): first round at 10:30 a.m., second round at 1:30 p.m.
