As has become a tradition, the Forum Alpinum, the season opening information session for the Alpine media took place on 23rd October, the day before the opening of the Audi FIS Ski World Cup 2015/16 season in Soelden (AUT).
The FIS management led by FIS President Gian Franco Kasper and Secretary General Sarah Lewis, together with the FIS Alpine Chief Race Directors Markus Waldner and Atle Skaardal provided an update on FIS’ activities.
In view of recent discussions about the Olympic Programme for future editions of the Olympic Winter Games, Gian Franco Kasper explained: The IOC is looking to cut costs. This is the reason why the downhill has become a topic of discussion. He affirmed: “What is sure is that we will never let go the Olympic downhill.”
The Forum was enriched by the presence of super star and four-time overall World Cup Champion Marcel Hirscher who has become a regular on the Forum's stage. The 26-year-old prepared the international media for another exciting season which might see him win his fifth crystal globe.
Meanwhile, ski star Aksel Lund Svindal, together with Walter von Känel, President of Longines, FIS Alpine Skiing Timing and Data Partner spoke about his engagement as Longines Ambassador of Elegance and his aspirations for the new season. After an achilles injury, Soelden will see Svindal’s official comeback and sets the stage for an exciting battle for the globe.
The Forum - which was moderated by Eurosport commentator Nick Fellows - concluded with questions and answers to representatives of the Organising Committee of the 2017 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships in St Moritz which will stage the 2015/16 season finals in preparation for the major event.
Source: fis-ski.com
