Former skier Neureuther has sharply criticized the race calendar

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Former German skier Felix Neureuther has sharply criticized the alpine racing calendar. “It has nothing to do with credibility and sustainability anymore,” says the 38-year-old from the “Augsburger Allgemeine”. “There was a brutal travel stress that is actually not reasonable for the drivers.”

Neureuther gives a concrete example. “The women had to fly to Crans-Montana immediately after the World Cup in Courchevel and then immediately to Kvitfjell and Are. But the service people have to travel the entire route by car because they have to transport a huge amount of material,” explains the 13-time World Cup winner: “When you look at these routes, it’s absolutely crazy. The race calendar should be restructured according to these aspects.”

Innovations and improvements did not occur

He is also disturbed by the fact that “many innovations and improvements promised by the new president of the FIS (Johan Eliasch, editor’s note) have not materialized”. “The second US tour should be especially mentioned, which was justified with the US market and possible live broadcasts on US television. But then there was none.”

There is no hope of improvement: «Unfortunately, there is no definite plan for the next season. There’s a lot in the unknown,” says Neureuther, “with the size and complexity of this sport that would be hugely important, only then can plans be executed in such a way that the product can really shine.”

Praise for Odermatt

While Neureuther criticizes the race calendar, he also liked some things about the ski season. He describes the world championships as “skiing at its best” and the duel between Marco Odermatt and Aleksander Aamodt Kilde inspires him. “Two very great players with a sporting spirit that is exemplary. And I’m sure Kilde will do everything he can to keep up with an Odermatt. Even if it’s really hard, because this man, who is still so young, is just incredible. It’s so nice to watch him.”

Because one thing is certain: “Skiing urgently needs such duels, because interest stands and falls with types and personalities.” (bir/afp)

Source : Blick