National and regional Covid restrictions require the FIS World Cup organizers to ban spectators from the venues during the upcoming World Cup sprint races in Dresden. 

“We regret this decision, but we accept the restrictions. However, we are committed to provide the athletes a highly professional atmosphere for the competitions in Dresden,” says FIS World Cup announcer Daniela Möckel, adding that plenty of fans will be able to catch the action. 

“We will broadcast the races to a TV audience of more than 50 million globally.”

Strict rules for all participants
Despite the skyrocketing Covid infection rates, Möckel points out that the city of Dresden is capable of running several professional sports events as schedules, including soccer, volleyball and team handball. 

“We have a very comprehensive sanitary concept that maintains the safety of all participants. As the first World Cup event, we are requiring all volunteers and employees to provide proof of being vaccinated at least twice, or the equivalent – known as 2G+ in Germany,” says Möckel, and continues: 

“Additionally, everyone has to do a quick test daily, regardless of vaccine and protection status. Athletes in the ‘Snow Flake Bubble’ can only enter Dresden after proof of negative PCR test,” Möckel says. 

Earlier this month, the organizing committee for the Tour de Ski stages in Oberstdorf, Germany, on December 31 and January 1 announced that no spectators will be allowed at these two Tour de Ski stages.