China instead of Garmisch?!

FIS wants to remove Kandahar Downhill from the program

Created: 04/14/2022 05:16

By: Michael Haug

The International Ski Association wants to remove the Kandahar descent in Garmisch-Partenkirchen from the men's program.

Germany reacted in shock.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen – Along with the classics in Kitzbühel, Wengen and Gröden, the Kandahar descent in Garmisch-Partenkirchen is one of the most important ski races of every winter season.

The International Ski Federation is now proposing to remove the legendary race from the men's programme.

What are the backgrounds?

Cancellation of the Kandahar downhill: DSV sports director Mayer - "Resistance from many nations"

The FIS proposal: In the alpine winter of 2022/2023 there should be two women's races on the Kandahar and a men's slalom on the Gudiberg in Partenkirchen.

The men's downhill should fall out of the program, as reported by Bayrischer Rundfunk on Monday.

However, no final decision has been made so far: The FIS Council will meet at the beginning of May.

The Kandahar descent in Garmisch-Partenkirchen is considered one of the most difficult descents in the world © imago sportfotodienst

German skiing reacted "very upset" to the announcement by the FIS.

“For us, the reasons for this calendar change are incomprehensible.

We will make that clear to the FIS,” said DSV sports director Wolfgang Mayer.

There is resistance from many nations.

"Really shocked," said Florian Fischer, director of the Garmisch ski club.

In the first year as FIS President: Brite causes fear and terror

The Brit Johan Eliasch has been FIS President for almost exactly a year.

For many traditionalists, the businessman is already a source of fear and terror.

The billionaire and owner of the sporting goods manufacturer HEAD wants to centralize the marketing of skiing.

This would take a significant source of income out of the hands of the national associations.

Eliasch is also committed to a more international competition calendar, with Russia and China replacing traditional Alpine World Cups.

Ski-Club Garmisch: Effects on the application for the Ski World Cup 2027?

The Garmisch Ski Club is concerned about another important FIS decision because of the possible Kandahar exit.

In an online event on May 25, the international ski association wants to determine the venue for the 2027 World Ski Championships.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen is applying to be hosted alongside Crans-Montana/Switzerland, Narvik/Norway and Soldeu/Andorra.