For some years now, skiers have been waiting for a total ban on fluorinated waxes and a test revealing their use. Work towards an adequate and reliable device has continued, as the flaws and shortcomings of the test device have been challenging to overcome. Finding a reliable test device is, first and foremost, in the best interests of athletes.

Maastohiihto.com spoke to an experienced wax technician Ilkka Riikola, who gave his opinion on the current situation.

“Test devices have been unreliable. Sometimes the device gives a fluoride-free ski a result like it would have had fluorocarbon additives, and sometimes the other way around. Since the test equipment used in the trial has been ‘hand-held,’ this introduces uncertainty to the results. And the large temperature variations outside certainly do not improve the reliability of the devices,” says Riikola. 

He says there have been rumors and even information about surface liquids that form a layer on the top of the fluoride powder, thus tricking the test equipment.

“In a race situation, the layer comes off relatively fast, and the fluoride fluid underneath can have an effect on the glide of the skis. The best option would seem to be to let time do its work, as sooner or later, the ‘hard’ C8-fluorocarbon waxes will run out, and everyone will gradually switch to cleaner fluorides. After all, C6-fluorocarbon is allowed by the EU decision. The FIS is trying to put itself above EU regulations with its total fluorine ban.”

One concern among skiers has been the impact of the fluoride ban debate on future recreational skiers and racers.

“Ruminating and speculating about fluorinate issue does not necessarily increase the interest of families in getting their children into skiing, let alone competitive skiing.”

Last winter, there were news reports of incidents involving a national team using banned C8-fluorocarbon. The good performance of the German women at the Olympics was thought to be due to the use of the ‘wrong’ fluoro powders, but there has been no evidence of this. 

Riikola has his view on the testing method:

“A reliable test method would be IR-spectrometry, where a piece would be taken from the bottom of the ski and analyzed in a laboratory. The equipment currently under development may give too many wrong results when used in the field. Of course, such a procedure is not feasible for time reasons alone, and taking several test pieces from the same ski is unthinkable without damaging the ski.” 

Anyone familiar with the matter wonders why a total ban is even being considered when there are purified C6-fluoros that still have a manufacturing and marketing license. The supposedly expensive cost of the test device, the training required to use it, and, importantly, the regular calibration of the device all pose their own problems. There have also been concerns about the legal protection of the athlete, as the consequences of wrong measurements can be enormous. 

Also Read: Crucial Problems In Fluor Wax Testing