No North America tour in the new World Cup winter: The International Ski Federation (FIS) has announced that all Alpine races in Lake Louise (CAN), Killington and Beaver Creek (both USA) will be cancelled. During the Corona pandemic, the health risks and travel restrictions are too extensive. Alternative dates for the races are now being sought at World Cup venues in Europe.
Ten races cancelled
Affected by the cancellation are the two women's races in Killington (28/29 November), the three men's races in Beaver Creek (4-6 December) and the five speed events for both sexes in Lake Louise (men on 28/29 November, women from 4-6 December). The decision was made by the FIS this week together with the organizers and federations on site. All of them are now focusing their plans on the next North American events to be held in winter 2021/2022.
The FIS is currently looking for alternative dates for the ten cancelled races. However, these will only take place in Europe and only at World Cup locations that are already fixed. It is already certain that Val d'Isère will take over another World Cup weekend for the men in December. Another downhill race in St. Moritz and two technical races in Courchevel are planned for the ladies. The exact timing of the post-race races will take place during the FIS Autumn Meeting and will be announced on October 3.
Early Kick-off in Sölden
However, the corona pandemic not only affects the two-week North American Tour of the Ski World Cup, but also the season opener in Sölden. This will take place one week earlier than planned on October 17-18, 2020. At that time, the glacier area on the Rettenbachferner can be used exclusively for the World Cup races and its safety precautions.
Spectators will not be on site in Sölden. This also applies to the second World Cup stop, the parallel races in Lech-Zürs am Arlberg. For the men, only race venues in Europe are on the schedule afterwards. For the women, only a short trip to Yanqing in China is planned outside Europe. In China the Olympic Winter Games will take place in 2022.
