Starting Saturday, the official downhill slope in Jasna, where the World Cup points will be contested next week, will be closed. However, organizers have praised the conditions for its preparation so far.
"We still need to shape the start of the giant slalom and the alternative start, which is 50 meters lower. In case the conditions at the original start are not ideal," explains Maroš Kupčo, the head of the competition track. However, organizers plan only minor cosmetic adjustments. "We plan to add two more waves at the top of the track," he revealed.
Preparation Since November
Preparations for the weekend slalom and giant slalom races have been underway since November 20th. This time, the weather has been favorable. "This year was truly favorable. Especially the first snowfall went well for us. Rain also helped us. And when the cold wave came, we could make the final adjustments," Kupčo rejoiced.
What kind of track does he consider ideal for the racers? "One where the first and last racer has similar conditions. It must be hard and compact, but skiers don't like ice like a skating rink. However, Peti Vlhova likes hard tracks, and I hope she will like ours too," wishes Kupčo. He claims that the track is currently prepared to the extent that organizers could handle a temperature rise of 15 degrees Celsius. "The compact base is resistant to warming. It can even withstand rain. It would be worse if wet snow were falling on it," he explained.
400 Vertical Meters in the Giant Slalom
For technical completeness, during the giant slalom, the racers are expected to cover 400 vertical meters, while in the classic slalom, it will be half as much. However, these races will certainly be different from the premiere in Jasna in the World Cup carousel. In 2016, the competition took place on a natural track; now they face a modified one, complete with waves. By the way, organizers take care of the track's quality for another reason. "We firmly believe that there will be regular competitions in Jasna," added Kupčo. According to FIS commissioner Wojciech Gajewski, the track is ideal. "It's perfectly done, the snow is compact and ready for final adjustments and watering, so the World Cup can be the best this year. And I am convinced that it will be," says the commissioner.
The official training for the racers on the track without gates will take place on Friday, January 19. On Saturday, January 20, the real competition will begin
