Will there be mass disqualifications in the future?: Fluorine ban continues to cause uncertainty in the ski circus

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The start of the season in Sölden made more headlines outside the slopes than ever before: Norwegian ski rocker Lucas Braathen (23) unexpectedly resigned in tears, FIS chairman Johan Eliasch suddenly spoke out in favor of a later start to the season and climate activists blocked the way to the glacier.

But above all, the disqualification of Ragnhild Mowinckel (31, no.) was a talking point. When their skis were tested for fluorine, the numbers on the FIS devices shot up – instead of the allowed limit of 1.8, a number greater than 10 flashed. How could that happen? Mowinckel was desperate, crying and her ski company Head also could not explain the result – they announced a detailed analysis.

“The question is: what is being measured?”

Nearly a week later, there’s still a lot of guesswork. “We still don’t have a conclusive answer,” admits chief race director Rainer Salzgeber. He is still convinced that no fluorine wax or contaminated brushes were used – after all, the test device showed nothing abnormal on the racing ski two days earlier. Head has now had the wax used carefully checked again. The result here too: no fluorine.

Salzgeber says: “The question is what is being measured – non-fluorinated products can also lead to high values.” In Mowinckel’s case, he doesn’t think so, but like many in the ski circus, there is skepticism. Especially since the industry provides ski companies with replacement products that are water and dirt repellent, but not harmful to the environment or humans.

The fluorine effect is greater with speed

Michelle Gisin (29) is also concerned about false positive results. “There are concerns about the measurement method. There are so many rumors and speculations – the most important thing is to stay calm.” The Engelberg woman is not entirely successful in this either. “I’m afraid it will be especially exciting in speed races.”

The background: The effect of fluorine is more important in downhill and super-G than in technical competitions, and the benefit should not be underestimated, especially in wet snow. “As long as there are no mass disqualifications, that’s a lot.”

Tricks? “Then I didn’t understand something”

Salzgeber doesn’t expect chaos. It’s also no problem to use older skis; you can let the fluorine grow. But what if someone deliberately uses fluoride to gain advantage? The former top giant slalom skier waves it off: “If someone wants to do tricks, he doesn’t understand something.”

Source : Blick