As confirmed by the race secretary Martin Kupčo, approximately 80 racers are preliminarily registered for the start of both Saturday's giant slalom and Sunday's slalom. "The exact number will be known only an hour before the team leader meeting. Right after that, we have the draw for both the racers and the TOP 15," explains Kupčo, who has plenty of experience. He was present at the World Cup in Jasná in 2016 and also in the COVID year 2021. "I've been in this business since 2009," he smiles.
He revealed that all racers will stay directly in Jasna. "We did this not only for their comfort but also to avoid any inconveniences and the possibility that some racers might get stuck in traffic," he explains, considering that around 16,000 people, including spectators, are expected to move in Jasna over both competition days.
Today was a training day, but several teams preferred to take a day off, including our Petra Vlhova. Although she originally planned to go to the slope, she opted for rest. "Tomorrow, on Friday, they have two training runs waiting for them on the racecourse without gates. We call it free ski. We start exactly at ten," revealed Kupčo Jr.
After the training, the work of the organizers for the penultimate day before the actual races effectively begins. "Then we have camera tests, installation of banners, and the actual track building. Everything has to be ready so that we are completely prepared on Saturday morning," he adds.
Although the coaches designated to build the track, the organizers provide people who assist them with everything. "They already know what to do. They've done it countless times," notes Kupčo.
The weather should favor the races. The worst weather that organizers fear is not currently in the weekend forecasts. "It's raining here today, which is not so bad. The worst weather for us is when it snows. When the snow is wet. Rain doesn't bother us because the track is prepared with water. It's compact, hard, dense. If we didn't inject it, rain could be a problem for us, but we did that. However, if it snows, we have to get it off the track. Push it away with skis so that the track stays clean," reveals the complex process.
The forecast is indeed promising. "Let's hope it works out. We've experienced all sorts of weather in Jasna. Wind, fog, blizzards, hail. With crossed fingers, we hope it turns out well." Kupčo's caution regarding the forecast is justified. After all these years, he really knows Jasna well. "Not only the slope but also the climate and the changes that come with it in this resort. For example, if the fog doesn't lift in the morning, we know we can pack up. Let's hope this scenario doesn't come true."
