Season preview with the FIS Race Director Jürg Capol

Tue, Nov  24, 2009 - By FIS

With the start of the Viessmann FIS Cross-Country World Cup season, it's time for Jürg Capol, FIS Race Director Cross-Country to look forward to the new season.

FIS CC News: What do you expect from this season?
Jürg Capol: An Olympic season always receives higher media attention, we have an attractive World Cup calendar and we are convinced to take the next developmental step with our World Cup premium product, the Viessmann FIS Tour de Ski performance by Craft Sportswear. All our OC's were again prepared to invest and improve and we already kicked off the season with a common fire spirit at the autumn meetings in Zürich.

FIS CC News: Is there something particular this season?
Jürg Capol We would like to further improve our communication tools and we will introduce new elements for the sport. In particular, we will try to improve the presentation of our athletes. The sport and outdoor business is moving ahead and we should make sure, we won't miss the train.

FIS CC News> What is new for this season?
Jürg Capol: The removal of the small final in the sprint from this season on will be a welcome development and an important breathing space in which we can present the stars of the sport, their preparations for the finals and of course the celebration of the winners in a better way. After the successful trial in Trondheim (30km and 50 km), we will have bonus World Cup points in all mass start including the pursuit competitions. The men, for example, can win over 200 World Cup points on the way to the Final, so beware, a lot of action will be in store during all the mass start events. And at the Tour de Ski we will debut an "A to B" Stage, starting from the town of Cortina and skiing on the old railway trail to Toblach. I can only recommend not missing it on 6th January, 2009.