Coop Cross-Country World Cup 2020/21 By Doris Kallen
Commitment helps overcome challenges An exceptional task awaited the FIS Cross-Country family after the abrupt season end in March 2020. With uncertain and frequently changing circumstances due to the Covid-19 global pandemic, the FIS Cross-Country team was in constant exchange with organisers and teams to ensure racing at World Cup level could take place. Step by step, regulations were established that fulfilled the main criteria of keeping the field of play safe. Thanks to the great flexibility and commitment of all participants, the FIS Cross-Country World Cup season could be held. Ten events of the originally planned 13 and a total number of 24 competitions per gender took place in the World Cup. Additionally, a complete programme of spectacular Nordic World Ski Championships was carried out in Oberstdorf (GER).
Special this season The FIS Cross-Country family used the momentum to reflect and adapt. From the athletes’ perspective, not only were their physical aspects challenged, their mental resolve was also tested. Teams were required to follow specific health protocols and adapt their planning accordingly. The process of getting adapted to the new protocols took time for some teams. Finally, the key to the successful World Cup season lay in the trust and commitment from and to everyone involved. World Cup organisers needed to rethink their processes and implement them into their originally planned event programme. Many regulations and aspects were simplified and will be kept in the World Cup organisers’ manuals in the future. Despite many positive learnings, one major consequence of the health concepts in place was that no spectators were allowed to attend events. 60
