Hans Christer Holland (32) asks the FIS to abandon the World Cup finals scheduled in Russia. The background is the conflict with Ukraine.
It would be wrong to arrange cross-country skiing in a country at war.
Hans Christer Holland tells VG.
The World Cross-Country Ski World Cup is scheduled to end in Tyumen, Russia 18-20. March, but can be moved to another location. The reason is the tense political situation between Russia and Ukraine.
Holland, for various reasons, decided to abandon his trip to Tyumen before the escalation of interstate conflict.
“I hope FIS can move the race into the weekend, not just cancel it,” says the cross-country skater who recently came home from the Olympics.
Ostersund is the current replacement for Tyumen. Says the director of the Swedish Ski Association, Ola Strömberg SVT That they were told to be ready to take charge.
It is uncomfortable to compete in Russia given the geopolitical situation. It would certainly make sense if FIS saw if it could be transferred to another country, Stromberg tells the channel.
According to the FIS race director, Pierre Minnery, they do not currently have any concrete plans to move the races out of Russia. However, he says they are preparing a plan B.
On Tuesday, VG was in contact with Norway cross-country manager Espen Biervig. He says they are linked to the FIS decision and the Foreign Ministry’s travel advice.
Russia receives criticism from some quarters for its actions in Ukraine. Should Norway take a stand and not contribute to their event here by staying at home?
– We must relate to the framework that is. It’s a bit like our conversation with China: if you have to take the opportunity to highlight something when you’re there. But we are dealing with the Norwegian authorities. Then we’ll see what FIS brings, the Norwegian cross-country manager answers.
Ukraine’s Security Council announced on Wednesday that it is studying the state of emergency in the country. At the same time, reserve forces are being mobilized and civilians are now allowed to bear arms.
Are you wondering about the cause of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia? Here are ten things you should know about the case.
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