Rain Alters Competition Landscape for Women’s Relay in Val di Fiemme
As clouds loom over Val di Fiemme, the weather forecast predicts a rainy day ahead—an unexpected twist for the women’s relay event taking place today at the Tesero ski stadium. Unlike previous days of competition, when athletes battled the elements with relative ease, this change may significantly impact strategy and performance.
Upon visiting the course early Saturday morning, it was evident that preparations were underway. The artificial snow, already soft and pliable, drew immediate attention. Though rain had not yet begun to fall, the air chilled to a brisk three degrees, setting the stage for a potentially challenging race.
Today’s women’s relay will see athletes navigating 4×7.5 kilometers of these complicated conditions. With rain forecasted, equipment choice becomes vital. Skiers may opt for skimmer lubrication on traditional segments of the course, particularly if the rain continues. Meanwhile, those using transparent skis designed to repel water and grime will have a distinct advantage on the freestyle sections.
Finnish competitors are making clever use of technology as they prepare. Many are choosing to leave their skis in the maintenance truck, opting instead for domestically treated Customski equipment for the traditional sections. Coach Reijo Jylhä mentioned that such equipment has been under consideration throughout the event, executed with thorough testing, although its application in competition has yet to be realized.
Customski’s innovative grip sole design offers an intriguing solution for challenging weather. Instead of traditional lubrication, these skis employ a factory-made mechanical grip, specifically engineered for wet conditions. Pasi Vironen, a representative from Customski, highlighted the unique nature of this product, noting its confidentiality, but ensuring it stands out for its performance.
Though the conditions pose a challenge, they also bring an opportunity for some competitors. Johanna Matintalo, for example, recently showcased her prowess at the World Cup in Falun using Customski-treated Salomon skis.
The race is set to begin at 1:00 PM, and all eyes will be on the competitors as they navigate the slick course. As strategies unfold in the ever-changing weather, one thing remains clear: today’s relay will test the limits of both athlete and equipment in ways that may redefine performance in these winter games.