The ski community is currently preparing for the World Cup in New Zealand, among other places. The conditions are rather modest.
Coronet Peak – In about eight weeks it will be that time again: The Ski World Cup will be kicking off. The first races of the season traditionally take place in Sölden. At the end of August, skiing is not really an option in Europe. Temperatures above 30 degrees are not uncommon in Central Europe at the moment.
Marcel Hirscher cancels training camp in New Zealand
It's completely different in the southern hemisphere. Ski aces from all over the world have always traveled to the other side of the world in the summer to prepare for the new season. In Chile, Argentina and New Zealand, winter conditions prevail with ideal training and piste conditions.
At least that's the ideal. In New Zealand, the dissatisfaction of ski stars is growing. Top star and World Cup returnee Marcel Hirscher even ended his training camp early due to the poor snow and weather conditions.
Ski stars in New Zealand: harsh criticism of organizers
But the organizers of the racing series in New Zealand, in which Hirscher originally wanted to take part, also came under increasing criticism. A giant slalom for women and men was scheduled to take place in Coronet Peak on Wednesday.
The program for the female ski aces was pushed through, but the men's program was symbolically canceled. “The slope was not good enough for a men's race and also very borderline for a women's race,” says Paul Epstein, head coach of the Global Racing Ski Team, to skinews.ch.
Several races have to be cancelled
And the organizers did not come off well. The criticism: a “very limited” motivation for the slope preparation. Günther Birgmann from the Clif Racing Academy team also makes it clear: “The organizers are taking the easy way out.” If the weather is good, then everything is fine. But when experience, know-how and great commitment are required, the organizers in Coronet Peak fail.”
Of the four races originally planned, only one could take place for the men, but two for the women. The four remaining races of the “Alpine Australia New Zealand Cup 2024” in Australia have now been cancelled without replacement … (kk)
