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Because fairness and safety are not guaranteed, the parallel giant slalom in Chamonix causes heated moods in the Ski World Cup. Above all, Alexis Pinturault lets his anger run free and criticizes the FIS sharply.
It is practically not to be overlooked: anyone who is allowed to complete his runs on the blue course in the parallel giant slalom in Chamonix on Sunday has all the advantages on his side compared to his direct opponent. So it is no coincidence that in the eight round of 16 duels the driver wins on the blue course without exception.
Loïc Maillard, who is always allowed to run faster on the way to victory in the round of 16, is aware of this: “Today I was lucky that I was able to drive on the blue course every time,” he says, and points out: “If there are two runs, it is fairer because the fastest really wins.”
Co-favorite Alexis Pinturault is less fortunate, having to run the red course in the round of 16 – and promptly fails. The Frenchman let his anger run free after the race: «Today I feel like I’m being cheated on. We athletes are seen more as characters in a show than as athletes. Since when has happiness in sport been more important than performance? »He writes on Twitter.
Aujourd’hui j’ai la rage, l’impression de me faire berner … nous les athletes pris pour des pions d’un spectacle et non acteur d’un sport! Depuis quand en sport la chance prend le dessus sur la performance? Et la dangerosité du format on en parle? pic.twitter.com/Jg5mvIUn33
– Alexis Pinturault (@AlexPinturault) February 9, 2020
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He is also annoyed by the dangerous conditions that lead to numerous falls and injuries in Chamonix: «And how dangerous is the format? But above all: When are the words of the athletes taken into account? »
Pinturault is well received by his followers for his criticism of the FIS. A user refers to the Swiss Thomas Tumler, who benefited from failures by his opponents three times on the way to the final and never had to drive a good time. And thanks to Henrik Kristoffersen, Pinturault receives support from prominent circles in the ski scene. “I completely agree,” the Norwegian writes. “SRF” expert Didier Plaschy also sees a need for action: “The FIS has to think about the format. (…) I think there will be a lot of discussions in the near future. »
