Excitement in front of the Schladming giants
FIS threatened Kristoffersen with withdrawal of the racing license
Henrik Kristoffersen almost couldn’t have taken part in the night spectacle in Schladming – or rather, shouldn’t have. The FIS threatened to revoke his license. The reason for this was his equipment.
Published: 01/26/2023 at 08:54
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Updated: 01/26/2023 at 10:09 am
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The FIS threatened Henrik Kristoffersen with the withdrawal of his racing license.
On Wednesday evening, shortly before the giant slalom in Schladming, the World Ski Association FIS caused a stir in the team of technology superstar Henrik Kristoffersen. He was informed in a letter that “if he drives with the logo, he could lose his license”.
What is meant is the logo of his new ski outfitter Van Deer. So far, this was covered with black adhesive tape on the skis, but the premiere was supposed to take place on Wednesday and the logo should be visible for the first time in the World Cup. Half an hour before the start, the manufacturer sent out a press release that said: “Since the ski with the current design is now commercially available, all FIS regulations will be observed after consultation with experts.” Then the 180 degree turn.
The Norwegian starts with number 4, the logo is masked again. “For us, of course, the athlete comes first, so we don’t risk anything,” says Van Deer Managing Director Anton Giger to the Austrian media. One does not want the athletes to become “playthings” in FIS politics.
Too much advertising in the logo?
But where is the problem? Whether a brand is also allowed to place its logo on the products does not only depend on whether it is freely available in stores. It is also a question of delimiting whether the logo is an independent product identity or advertising in accordance with FIS regulations. Red Bull currently owns 50 percent of Marcel Hirscher’s ski brand, so the picture shows the red bull and a stag.
Kristoffersen himself was left pretty cold by the ski whirlwind just before the start. “I focus on skiing,” said the 28-year-old, who finished fifth in the Swiss double victory of Loïc Meillard and Gino Caviezel. Of course he would like to drive with the logo, but it is not his decision. And Giger is also relaxed: “It is not so important whether we drive with the logo today or in a week or two.” (che)
Attention ski fans! Now quiz and type races
The 2022/2023 ski season is in full swing and so is the “Blick Ski Trophy”: Answer questions every day, type ski races and crown yourself as ski champion. Lots of great prizes await.
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Have fun and good luck!
The 2022/2023 ski season is in full swing and so is the “Blick Ski Trophy”: Answer questions every day, type ski races and crown yourself as ski champion. Lots of great prizes await.
To take part in the “Blick Ski Trophy”, you have to register here.
Have fun and good luck!