Alpine skiing: races in Canada spark a wave of vaccinations

In Canada, despite all the basic restrictions of the International Ski Association (FIS), unlike in the United States, where a special invitation letter and a PCR test are sufficient, full vaccination – at least two stitches – is still required. And because there are also three men’s speed races this time in Lake Louise, participation is crucial to maintaining World Cup chances. That’s why it is vaccinated.

“We discussed back and forth for a long time. The new FIS leadership decided to race in Canada anyway,” said FIS men’s race director Marcus Waldner. South Tyrolean is of the opinion that continued participation in the World Cup will ultimately lead to A vaccination is necessary.

Vaccinations make a lot of things easier

The FIS does not prescribe any vaccinations for its athletes – FIS passports and PCR tests are no more than 72 hours old – but it is about entry into the countries concerned, of which the World Cup will visit about a dozen on its tour. And every country has its own rules.

“At some point you’re going to need vaccinations anyway,” Waldner was convinced. “The measures can become stricter at any time as protocols change. And the Olympics in China wouldn’t go on without full vaccination anyway. Also, in long downhill weeks, for example, there will be problems with unvaccinated people needing another PCR test after 72 hours.

“Everyone can be vaccinated”

The fact that, according to Waldner, 20 or so alpine males were not fully vaccinated until recently, is apparently changing. “Some have waited a long time about the Canada thing. But in the meantime, women and men and top drivers have understood that you have to get vaccinated if you want to participate,” Waldner said.

The French, for example, including defending champion Alexis Pinturault, but also the Italians and Austrians, have clarified the situation and kept it under control. “Everyone can be vaccinated so that they can start a cold more easily,” Waldner says.

Even so, it would still rely heavily on personal responsibility. “Last year we were alone on the mountain. We are in our ‘bubble’ anyway, but in villages and hotels we now meet winter tourism,” Waldner said. “So there is always the possibility of infection. And if you’re positive, you won’t ride anymore.”