During Vasaloppet and all events at Vasaloppet’s Winter Week 2024, there will be a strict crackdown on fluor: disqualification, fines, and points deduction.

Vasaloppet conducts comprehensive fluor testing in all events, both before the start and after the finish line, and the rule is crystal clear: fluor is prohibited.

“We have zero tolerance for fluor,” says Vasaloppet Sports Director Tommy Höglund.

See facts about the fluor ban at the bottom of the article.

Vasaloppet organization is equipped with several fluor testing equipment for the entire Vasaloppet Winter Week 2024 and has deployed many certified fluor inspectors and testing equipment.

Two sets of rules

However, the organizer operates with two sets of rules for those who test ‘red’ for traces of fluor during Vasaloppet: one for the elite and one for the recreational skiers.

Disqualification, fines, and points deduction

For the elite, the consequences of testing ‘red’ for traces of fluor are severe.

Elite skiers who test ‘red” before the start will be denied start and will receive the note “Not Permitted to Start.”

If they test ‘red’ in the fluor control after finishing, they will be disqualified. For elite skiers linked to Ski Classics Pro Teams, the team will also be fined and have points deducted in the Pro Team competition.

“The elite and professional teams have been informed about all this well in advance,” says Höglund during the Vasaloppet Live Sessions.

Also Read: Long-distance skiing star accuses competitors of fluor cheating

For recreational skiers, the basic rule is the same: fluor is prohibited. But for those who test ‘red,’ the rules are slightly different than for the elite.

“If amateurs test positive in the fluor control before the start, we inform them that they cannot start on those skis. Then they can take another pair of skis if they have one. If the other pair tests ‘green,’ they can go to the start. The skis that tested ‘red’ remain with us and can be retrieved after the finish,” says Höglund, and continues:

“If they test ‘red’ before the start and do not have any other skis to switch to, they can borrow skis from us. We prepare several pairs for this.”

Amateurs who test ‘red’ in the fluor control after finishing will be stripped of their placement and time.

“They will be listed in the results as “ranked as last,” says Höglund.

The sports director also emphasizes that it is the jury that has the final word in fluor cases.

“Where fluor is discovered after the finish, the jury can impose penalties, such as disqualification,” he says.

Also Read – Fluor ban: how to clean skis and equipment

The article continues below.

Safe to use waxing service

Vasaloppet’s official waxing service uses exclusively fluor-free products.

This has been the case at Vasaloppet since 2019, which was actually before FIS announced a total ban on fluor.

Therefore, it is extremely important to follow the cleaning guidelines carefully.

“The safest is to hand in the skis to our official waxing service for cleaning and waxing. Then you are guaranteed that the skis will test ‘green’ in the fluor control,” says Höglund.

Offers control testing

For those who are unsure about the status of their skis or wonder if they have been through enough with the cleaning process, Vasaloppet offers the possibility for control testing.

“We have set up testing stations with two fluor testers and certified inspectors both in Sälen and in Mora. There, anyone can have their skis control tested for free. Then you can see if you have cleaned well enough or if you need to go back and do another round,” says Höglund.

FACTS: The fluor ban

From the season 2023/24, a total ban on fluor was introduced for all competitions. This was announced by both the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) and the International Biathlon Union (IBU) in March 2023.

Last summer, the international federations presented the test procedure and protocol for how the fluor ban would be enforced this winter. The consequence of a ‘red’ result on the fluor equipment is harsh: those who test ‘red’ for fluor will be disqualified, and the decision cannot be appealed.

Therefore, the Norwegian Ski Federation has invested significant resources in developing procedures and guidelines to ensure that athletes do not come to the start with skis that result in disqualification.

In May, the Ski Federation hired a special fluor coordinator, and they established a specialized portal on their website with information, videos, and other content related to the fluor ban.

Also Read: Norwegian fluor-free guide becomes international standard