Foreign competitors, including Czech representatives Nikol Kučerová and Daniel Paulus, did not protest Russia’s invasion of Ukraine to the weekend’s World Cup qualifiers in cross-country skiing in Sunny Valley. Only domestic skiers have completed two qualifying races.
The International Ski Federation (FIS) said on Wednesday that despite Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, it would not cancel the World Cup, which will take place on Russian territory this weekend. In addition to cross-country skiing in Sunny Valley in the Urals, acrobatic jumping competitions in Yaroslavl are also planned.
Most skiers fly to Russia on the Monday immediately after the Beijing Olympics. 55 of the 61 men and 19 of the 26 women did not start the qualifiers – two in a row. According to TK, all foreign competitors are currently trying to leave the country.
“We are in intensive contact with our representatives on the spot and we support them in their decision. Our priority is to return home as soon as possible.” said Lukáš Heřmanský, President of the Ski Association of the Czech Republic, in a statement on the federal website. “Of course, we are closely monitoring the escalating situation, awaiting an official opinion from the International Ski Federation (FIS) regarding the next World Cup race, which according to the long-term plan will take place in Russia next year at the end of this season.” added Heřmansk.
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