Coronavirus Forces Cancellation Of Winter Olympic Test Event
The outbreak of Coronavirus in China has forced the cancellation of the Audi FIS World Cup skiing competition, scheduled to take place in Yanqing on 15th and 16th February 2020.
The Alpine Ski World Cup, which is one of the biggest events in the sport’s calendar, was due to take place on the slopes earmarked for the Winter Olympic Games Beijing 2022 and would have served as the Games’ first test event.
Gian Franco Kasper, FIS President, said: “It is with great regret that all of the stakeholders are obliged to take the difficult decision to cancel the World Cup races in Yanqing this season, as the historic first FIS Alpine Ski World Cup in China and the first official Beijing 2022 test event.
“Although the risk level in Yanqing is low, the health and welfare of the athletes and all participants must take priority. It is also imperative that athletes can focus on their performance and particularly on the completely new and very challenging course.
The first competitions on the new Olympic downhill course in Yanqing took place at the Chinese National Winter Games earlier in January, with FIS Technical Experts declaring themselves pleased with course conditions and event organisation/
Meanwhile, the FIS says it will reschedule cancelled races from the event, with downhill and super-G competitions taking place at a later date.
The women’s Audi FIS World Cup downhill and super-G, which will also serve as the Beijing 2022 Test Event will take place next season in March 2021. The FIS says that efforts will be made to schedule a test event for the men’s competition too.
Meanwhile, a decision on the status of the World Indoor Athletics Championships, due to take place in Nanjing in March is also due to be taken. World Athletics says it is monitoring the situation and remains in close contact with the World Health Organisation over the matter.
