News from FIS 2021-2022

Fluoro waxing continues to be a major topic at the World Cup level. Right now it looks like some fluoro waxes will still be allowed on the World Cup this season. Here is a simple rundown of the dilemma:

Since 2020 C8 fluoro carbons (which are historically used in ski waxes) have been banned for import and production in the EU. This ban is initially what forced wax manufactures and FIS to restrict certain waxes in FIS races. For the 2020-2021 season FIS planned to ban fluoro carbons but their 'testing gun', which would take fluoro reading from the base of a competitors ski, was not up to snuff. Without reliable testing FIS had to delay their fluoro ban. 

In the meantime some wax manufactures have 'tweaked' their formulas to create waxes using C6  fluoro carbons. Whether or not they are safer for the environment or personal health is TBD... but likely not). What continues to still be a major issues is testing and whether or not FIS can detect all use of C8 fluoro waxes on the World Cup. Likely in store this year will be singed team consent forms saying the team will not use C8, random and scheduled testing, and possibly random wax room raids (sounds exciting). 

Reliably testing for C8 flouros in a timely manner is not really possible at the domestic level so stay tuned to hear what US Ski and Snowboard announces as their wax policy for 2022. It's safe to assume that races like the Birkie and other major North American marathons will remain completely fluoro free despite the World Cup's acceptance of C6 fluoros and no great testing protocol. 

- Ruka, the World Cup opener, will now be stand alone events not a mini-tour

- The Tour De Ski this year will be the shortest yet, only 6 races. This is to encourage participation on an Olympic year. 

- FIS will continue to explore relay and mixed-relay race formats. A 4x5k mixed, all freestyle, relay is proposed for Falun this year. 

The FIS cross country will meet again in October so stay tuned for any changes: