Janne Leskinen, CEO of Ski Sport Finland, believes that Levi is strong enough to also return to the men’s World Cup calendar in alpine skiing.
Roope Visuri,
Inka Henelius,
Riku Salminen
The Alpine Skiing World Cup was contested this weekend in Levi with two women’s slalom events, while the men had to compete in the downhill in Zermatt-Cervinia on the border between Switzerland and Italy. However, both diving competitions were canceled due to bad weather.
The Men’s World Cup has not even started yet, when the first race of the season in Sölden was cancelled. The giant slalom was interrupted due to too strong a wind.
Next week in Zermatt-Cervinia, women’s downhill competitions are on the program.
Men have last competed in Levi in 2019 in slalom. CEO of Ski Sport Finland Janne Leskinen hopes that the men will return to compete for Levi as soon as possible.
– We are trying very hard to promote it. This weekend’s canceled dives have filled the calendar. Now the speculation will intensify. If next week we won’t even be able to count the women’s championships there, will Zermatt still be on the competition calendar next year? The widow reminds.
If Cermatt-Zervinia is no longer on the competition calendar, Leskinen believes that Levi will be a strong replacement.
– FIS’ own representatives have singled out Levi in their public statements. Discussions take place below the surface, Leskinen states.
Top male alpine skiers have also been seen training in Levi in recent weeks. It also speaks for itself about Levi’s value.
– The coaches of big countries have quite a lot of power in the direction of FIS. If they start saying that they go to Levi’s to train anyway. If they ask, why aren’t the games counted there right away, when the places are in order? It has a big impact, Leskinen illustrates.
In Finland, there is a growing number of promising young alpine skiers, such as the one who won the youth World Cup silver in the giant slalom in January Eduard Hallberg. Sports expert Kalle Palander would see the men’s competition as very important for Finnish alpine skiing.
– This would be a good place to strike for Finnish men. You would get six calculators in the competition, Palander reminds.
Palander incenses people behind Levi’s top conditions, but also sends a stern reminder to the sports community.
– We alpine people should be extremely grateful that we have such an opportunity to do this sport. We have the best opportunities in our hands. Take advantage of them! Palander is frying.