Heavy snowfall in the Dolomites wrecked the organizers’ plans. The threat of avalanches is too big, the specialists said – and have shown the red flag to the race.
Too bad, the 42th Toblach-Cortina 2019 was shaping up to be one of the most exciting long distance races of the season. Not only the world champion Sergey Ustiugov was supposed to make another appearance at the Alpine race, this year he was to be accompanied by Evgeny Belov, another strong Russian distance racer.
arrived with only two pre-waxed pairs of skis and did not know how the finish in Cortina looks. Still, he came 3d and obviously was looking to better his result this year.
Another strong FIS World Cup import to the Ski Classic series race was expected to be Alexei Poltoranin, who’s prowess in long distance classic races in universally recognized.
The trio of WCup athletes was supposed to battle recognized Ski Classic favorites chief among whom this year is indefatigable Petter Eliassen , who missed the last season.
Alas, not tomorrow.
Toblach-Cortina, one of the most picturesque point-to-point races in the world, is not having an easy streak – several times it had to be shortened for the lack of snow in the Alps. Well, this year it suffered because there is too much of thereof.
“This is a very sad moment for Visma Ski Classics, our Pro Teams, Athletes, Sponsors and not the least all the recreational skiers signed up for tomorrows event. However of course we must follow the decision made by the provincial authorities and safety must always go first.” David Nilsson, CEO Visma Ski Classics commented.
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