What were to have been the first test events for the 2022 Winter Olympics, due to be staged in just over two years’ time in China, have been cancelled.
Due to the outbreak and continuing spread of the Novel Coronavirus, the International Ski Federation (FIS), the Chinese Ski Association and its Yanqing Local Organising Committee, have jointly decided to cancel the upcoming men’s Audi FIS World Cup races, a downhill and a super-G, scheduled for 15th-16th February 2020.
These were also due to have been the first ever World Cup races to be staged in China, following completion of the purpose-built Alpine downhill ski centre for the games.
“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,” said FIS President Gian Franco Kasper. “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.
Racing has in fact already taken place on the new Olympic downhill course in Yanqing with a domestic competition, the 14th Chinese National Winter Games, staged there earlier this month.
“The FIS Technical Experts and Medical Supervisor who were present were very pleased with the new course and snow conditions, as well as the organisation of the event and mountain operations,” an FIS spokesperson said.
The women’s Audi FIS World Cup downhill and super-G, which will now serve as the Beijing 2022 Test Event will take place next season in March 2021 and efforts will be undertaken to schedule a test event for the men as well, the FIS say.
Races will now be staged in Austria’s Saalbach Hinterglemm.
All Chinese ski areas are reported to have also been closed.
