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Globe and Mail, Canada
Feb 9 2005
Giant slalom championship postponed by television strike
Associated Press E-mail this Article
Bormio, Italy — The men's giant slalom race scheduled for Wednesday
at the alpine skiing world championships was postponed less than an
hour before it was to start due to a strike by Italian television
workers.
"Due to the lack of TV coverage, the European Broadcasting Union, in
accordance with the International Ski Federation (FIS), decided to
postpone the race," organizers said in a statement.
The strike was organized by workers for RAI, Italian state TV.
Organizers said the race would be rescheduled for Thursday, which was
previously reserved as an off day, although FIS had not yet issued
its formal decision. The championships are due to end Sunday and
three other races are scheduled for Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
"I'm disappointed, angry and frustrated," said FIS general secretary
Sarah Lewis. "Everything was ready to go — 156 athletes, fan clubs
had travelled specially to be there. The giant slalom is always one
of the most exciting events."
Fans in the finish area attacked a RAI truck upon learning of the
strike and police had to intervene.
It appeared that some of the bigger skiing nations were informed of
the strike ahead of time and did not go up to the course. However,
several athletes from nations like Senegal, Armenia and Hungary were
seen skiing down the course in a state of bewilderment.
Strikes are a common occurrence in Italy, although they are usually
confined to domestic issues and events. The alpine world
championships are the biggest event in skiing outside the Olympics
and the protest was not a good sign in view of the next Winter Games
in nearby Turin, scheduled to begin a year from Thursday.
Turin 2006 officials were planning a presentation in Bormio later
Wednesday.
"The biggest loser today is ski racing," U.S. head coach Phil
McNichol said. "Racing is at an all-time low, we're trying to get a
stronger foothold in TV and yet we can't hold a world championships
race because of television. It's extremely disappointing."
The last major cancellation at the world championships came when the
1995 edition was postponed until 1996 due to a lack of snow in Sierra
Nevada, Spain.
"It's typical. It fits the world championships," said Austrian skier
Benjamin Raich, one of the giant slalom favourites.
Thomas Grandi of Banff, Alta. was also among the contenders for a
podium spot. He has won two World Cup giant slalom races this season
and currently sits second in the GS point standings.
--Boundary_(ID_+1+SBugukp3293Ti6AL+ZA)--
Feb 9 2005
Giant slalom championship postponed by television strike
Associated Press E-mail this Article
Bormio, Italy — The men's giant slalom race scheduled for Wednesday
at the alpine skiing world championships was postponed less than an
hour before it was to start due to a strike by Italian television
workers.
"Due to the lack of TV coverage, the European Broadcasting Union, in
accordance with the International Ski Federation (FIS), decided to
postpone the race," organizers said in a statement.
The strike was organized by workers for RAI, Italian state TV.
Organizers said the race would be rescheduled for Thursday, which was
previously reserved as an off day, although FIS had not yet issued
its formal decision. The championships are due to end Sunday and
three other races are scheduled for Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
"I'm disappointed, angry and frustrated," said FIS general secretary
Sarah Lewis. "Everything was ready to go — 156 athletes, fan clubs
had travelled specially to be there. The giant slalom is always one
of the most exciting events."
Fans in the finish area attacked a RAI truck upon learning of the
strike and police had to intervene.
It appeared that some of the bigger skiing nations were informed of
the strike ahead of time and did not go up to the course. However,
several athletes from nations like Senegal, Armenia and Hungary were
seen skiing down the course in a state of bewilderment.
Strikes are a common occurrence in Italy, although they are usually
confined to domestic issues and events. The alpine world
championships are the biggest event in skiing outside the Olympics
and the protest was not a good sign in view of the next Winter Games
in nearby Turin, scheduled to begin a year from Thursday.
Turin 2006 officials were planning a presentation in Bormio later
Wednesday.
"The biggest loser today is ski racing," U.S. head coach Phil
McNichol said. "Racing is at an all-time low, we're trying to get a
stronger foothold in TV and yet we can't hold a world championships
race because of television. It's extremely disappointing."
The last major cancellation at the world championships came when the
1995 edition was postponed until 1996 due to a lack of snow in Sierra
Nevada, Spain.
"It's typical. It fits the world championships," said Austrian skier
Benjamin Raich, one of the giant slalom favourites.
Thomas Grandi of Banff, Alta. was also among the contenders for a
podium spot. He has won two World Cup giant slalom races this season
and currently sits second in the GS point standings.
--Boundary_(ID_+1+SBugukp3293Ti6AL+ZA)--