 Poster: A snowHead
|
The 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver/Whistler are likely to see skier-cross (multiple start ski racing based on motocross) playing a prominent role on TV. The event breaks with ski racing conventions by offering viewers head-to-head tactical battles between competitors on the course, involving less emphasis on the clock.
But a war has broken out between teams and the FIS about the specifications for race-suits. North American competitors prefer something cool and esoteric, while European racers are pushing for the aerodynamic advantages of tight racing suits. The FIS are trying to lay down the rules, and are getting some stick.
This report from Globe and Mail [Canada]
| Quote: |
... the Europeans showed up in tight pants.
"They look so stupid," said Stanley Hayer, one of Canada's top ski-cross racers and the 2009 Winter X Games champion. "They're going to ruin it for the sport." |
What do you expect skier-cross skiers to pose in?
Could tight pants ruin it for you?
Last edited by Poster: A snowHead on Thu 5-02-09 12:33; edited 1 time in total
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
|
David Goldsmith, your link goes back to the Andy Campbell story.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
|
|
Thank you. Have corrected the link.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
|
Same as the discussion in DH MTB. They'll end up wearing what they can win in. Personally I think skinny GS type skis look pretty foolish, but I still wouldn't try and race on fat twintips.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
|
David Goldsmith, thanks. I'm with the Europeans. A racer should wear what he can win in, as Cunners puts it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
Why not let them wear what they want - the baggy trouser brigade will soon change when they see that aerodynamically clothed skiers are faster 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rather look good and come 2nd then win and look a gimp. But thats why I don't race.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RobinS, absolutely. What on earth has it to do with FIS?
papasmurf, I don't race because coming 2nd would be overachieving, and I'd still look a gimp whatever the clothing.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
|
|
As stated in the post there are FIS equipment regulations specifying that clothing worn for skiercross has to be sufficiently 'baggy'. You can argue if it's a stupid rule or not but I would consider trying to get round the rules with tighter suits in certain unmeasured places and non-permeable-air suits (not permitted in normal alpine racing for safety reasons) certainly against the spirit of the rules. FIS should either tighten the rules or scrap them altogether and replace them with the standard downhill suit rules. Hybrid suits will look really daft.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| JimW wrote: |
| What on earth has it to do with FIS? |
It's the governing body, so it governs all aspects of equipment and clothing in any racing it governs. There's no reason why they couldn't 'down-specify' the aerodynamics of the skiwear and rule out anything tight-fitting.
They've done it in conventional Alpine skiing in terms of fabrics, where super-slick ski suits were considered too dangerous in a fall. If the clock isn't important, because the racing is essentially head-to-head, then the North American racers would seem to have a point - make the sport visually and presentationally distinctive in every way.
|
|
|
|
|
|
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
|
Is it a sport or is it a fashion parade? I thought the roots of freeskiing and snowboarding were counter-culture and anti-image, but now they're trying to dictate terms on what people can wear to protect their own image? Oh the irony  Skiercross will be just as exciting and watchable if the skiers wore racing suits. Boardercross/boarder halfpipe may look more odd because people aren't used to boarders in racing suits.
|
|
|
|
|
|
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
You know it makes sense.
|
Is nudity REALLY beyond the pale in this situation?
*rings up Chemmy to see if she fancies trying yet another discipline*
|
|
|
|
|
|
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
|
So these 'baggy' rules then... does it go
1.1.4 para 4 sub clause 2 " All dudes will look sufficently sick to ensure any radical stoke gets appreciation that is well massive ".
or something like that?
I couldn't wear a fartbag in case it is deemed too non counter-cultural?
To try and dictate what you can (as opposed to what you can't) wear seems a little ott to me.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FAQ
