Alpine Race to Sochi Starts in Austria

(ATR) FIS President Gian-Franco Kasper says that from a technical standpoint he is confident that ski events in Sochi will be successful, however he is concerned over a potential lack of atmosphere and Olympic spirit in February.

Kasper spoke to Around the Rings following Friday’s annual FIS Forum Alpinum in Soelden, Austria, as the alpine ski season got underway this weekend.

"I have some doubts if we can create a real Olympic atmosphere, this might be a certain problem," Kasper said about the Sochi Games that take place in February.

"The interest of the Russians is really not in these sports," Kasper said referring to alpine skiing, freestyle skiing and snowboarding. "Sure, in cross country skiing to a certain extent, but still the public doesn’t really get into it like we do in Europe."

"Don’t forget we are in an area where winter sports do not exist," said the 69-year-old FIS boss. "There is not one ski club within hundreds of kilometers; it’s like Americans watching ice stock sport which is Bavarian curling or baseball in Switzerland."

Kasper also discussed how tight security measures might also detract from the overall atmosphere of the Games.

"It’s a very special location and situation there in Sochi and no question there will be tight security," he said. "I’m not afraid, but it will be unpleasant as there will be security checks when you go to venues, when you go to a bar, when you go to the toilet--OK I’m exaggerating a bit.

"In a meeting with Sochi organizers, I said: ‘I hope our athletes will not be stopped and controlled during a race,’" joked Kasper.

FIS Chief Race Director Guenter Hujara also discussed potential challenges in Sochi advising that patience among athletes, media and even FIS staff will be paramount.

"Everybody who will go to Sochi has to be prepared for obstacles; from your arrival to getting into the venue, you will go through a procedure which demands patience from everybody," Hujara said addressing media and national ski team staffs at a briefing in Soelden

"I think if you are all aware of this – like the same situation in 2002 in Salt Lake after 9/11, the first few days were very demanding, but then we got used to it and in the end it went smoothly." Hujara said. "This is what we expect. You will have to be easy-going and prepare for some challenges."

Hujara also said that Sochi organizers recently advised the FIS that the main conference room for hosting daily Team Captains meetings in Krasnaya Polyana is no longer available.A possible move to the Athletes Lounge would require teams and FIS staff to board a lift and could increase time for meetings by forty minutes.

"These are the details that we are now facing at the last moments," Hujara said. "Let’s work together to find solutions and we will solve it together."

Kasper, an IOC member in Switzerland, who also serves on the IOC Coordination Commission for Sochi, was recently in the Black Sea resort for the final inspection visit and offered praise to Russian organizers.

"I’m very optimistic for the result – to be honest it’s still 60,000 workers working 24 hours a day," Kasper said. "The Russians have done everything in five-and-a-half years. It’s really incredible to start from zero and now we have a modern village of sport venues.

"So for this, we congratulate the Russians."

Kasper’s remarks came on the eve of the opening of the 48th FIS Alpine Ski World Cup season. The 20th edition world cup races in Soelden got underway on Saturday with a women’s giant slalom, followed by a men’s GS on Sunday, won for the third time in a row by U.S. skier Ted Ligety.

Kasper welcomes new IOC President

The FIS chief said that he looks forward to cooperation with new IOC President Thomas Bach, who he has been friends with for many years.

"Thomas Bach doesn’t come from winter sports, that is clear, he’s a fencer, but he likes winter sports and has always been involved with winter sports in Germany," Kasper said.

"I’ve known him for something like 30 or 40 years, we have an excellent relationship and are really friends. He’s always been really helpful as the German NOC President, especially when we had world championships in Germany.

Kasper, who has served as the FIS President since 1998, having began at the ski federation as secretary general in 1975, said he is certain that their relationship will continue.

"I’m 100 percent sure he will do his utmost for our sports, don’t forget that he and his people in Bavaria are still interested in having a Winter Olympics there, so there really is no reason we should be frightened of Thomas Bach," Kasper said.

AIJS Trophy goes to Tina Maze

Slovenian skier Tina Maze is the 2013 recipient of the "Skieur d’Or – Serge Lange Trophy," awarded by the International Association of Ski Journalists.

The annual honor – which is presented by sponsor Milka – goes to the ski racer who demonstrates both excellence on the course and also a strong rapport with the media.

"It’s my 13th year skiing world cup and I’m really proud to win this," Maze said. "Every year we come to Soelden an amazing skier gets it and I’ve always wanted this too."

Maze, 30, was dominant on the women’s tour last season winning 11 races and scoring a record 2,414 World Cup points, easily breaking the mark of 2,000 set by Austrian ski legend Hermann Maier.

Written and reported in Soelden by Brian Pinelli.