The jury at a long distance race consist of FIS TD, Visma Ski Classics Race Director, National TD and the Chief of Competition for the current event.

The FIS regulation valid for long distance races state the following regarding cold temperatures:

 

388 Cold Weather Precautions

388.2 Between minus 15 ° and minus 25 °C

388.2.1 If the temperature level is forecast to be between minus 15 °C and minus 25 °C at any point on the course, recommendations regarding cold weather protection should be made available to the competitors. Under such conditions it is the responsibility of the competitors to seek the information and to follow the recommendations given by the organiser.

388.3 Minus 25 °C and below

388.3.1 If the temperature in a major portion of the course is minus 25 °C or below, the competition shall be delayed or cancelled.

 

The temperature before the start of La Diagonela was according to the Jury not below -25C on a majority part of the track, but it was within -15 to -25C, making rule 388.2.1 valid. (The temperature is calculated for the time when a certain position on the track is passed by the skiers.)

 

Day before the event the jury due to the cold temperatures, informed the athletes, via their Pro Team Directors at the Team Captains Meeting, they were allowed to use heated socks, gloves and soles.

 

On the morning before the race the Pro Team Directors were informed that athletes were als allowed to use warmup clothes covering the start bibs if needed, hence the Jury acted according to FIS rule 388.2.1 above.

 

Long distance skiing is an outdoor wintersport, the Jury´s role is to make sure that the event take place within the rules, which regarding cold temperatures are stated above, and the Athletes responsibility is to know the rules and to be prepared and dressed according to the current weather situations.

 

With above said the Tour is of course very sad seeing our athletes with injuries, every single injury is one to many. The situation after Engadin La Diagonela will be further be discussed with the Pro Teams at an extra session at the upcoming Team Captains Meeting this Friday in front of the next event Toblach-Cortina.