Fresh impetus for the Alpine Ski World Cup, a behind-the-scenes look at Formula 1 and in-depth discussions with the FIS: this year’s Club5 workshop brought key issues concerning the future of international skiing into focus over three days. Club5 is the association of the classic Alpine Ski World Cup organisers.

Twenty-four of Club5’s 27 members attended this year’s meeting in Lazise, Veneto. Among the topics discussed was how World Cup races could be presented even more attractively in the future and how fans could become more actively involved. The bib draw has an important role to play in this respect. The organisers believe it has the potential to be positioned more prominently as an event in its own right within the broader race programme.

Fresh ideas were provided by speakers including Tom Weirather of WWP, sports managers Andrea Cappelletti and Claudia Morandini, and Italian professional cyclists Elena Cecchini and Elia Viviani.

Drawing inspiration from Formula 1
“Learning from the best” was the motto of a visit to Monza. Just a few days before the Italian Grand Prix, the World Cup organisers were given an insight into the organisation of one of the world’s most important motorsport events. In addition to several presentations – including one by Umberto Andreoletti – the programme featured visits to the paddock and pit lane, as well as a tour of the historic circuit. Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, was among those who addressed the World Cup organisers.

Another key focus of the workshop was the exchange with FIS Secretary General Urs Lehmann. He briefed the organisers on the financial situation and the new organisational structure of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation. He also discussed the future development of the World Championships, which could potentially be held annually, with the exception of years in which the Olympic Winter Games take place. At the same time, Lehmann took the opportunity to listen to the concerns and expectations of the World Cup organisers. Possible adjustments to the various racing series and a reduction in field sizes were also discussed.

Safety remains the highest priority
Other topics included volunteer management and digitalisation, with Norwegian company Rubic presenting a range of potential solutions. Together with representatives of SPM and Liski, as well as FIS race directors Markus Waldner and Peter Gerdol, the organisers also engaged in an in-depth discussion on safety, which remains the highest priority in the Alpine Ski World Cup.

The Saslong Classic Club was strongly represented at the three-day workshop. Alongside President Rainer Senoner, who also heads Club5, the meeting was attended by board members Moritz Demetz and Marcello Cobelli, organising team members Marta Covi and Letizia Gualdi, and Head of Communications Hannes Kröss.