The CAS ruling opens the door for Russian long-distance skiers – and forces Ski Classics into a highly charged conflict. Now everyone is waiting for FIS’ final decision.

Amid uncertainty about which Russians may be allowed to compete, internal tension is growing within the cross-country community and the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS). The CAS decision may open the door for some athletes, but the situation is anything but uncontroversial. Ski Classics, as following FIS rules, have now been pulled into the drama and called an extraordinary board meeting on Tuesday evening.

After the meeting, the Ski Classics board explained how the decision would affect the series. The season opener takes place in Bad Gastein, Austria, in a week and a half.

“All events in the Ski Classics Pro Tour are international FIS competitions, and participation requires athletes to hold valid FIS licenses. Ski Classics will therefore align its approach with the CAS statement and with FIS’s handling of this matter,” says the Ski Classics statement.

Also Read – Confirmed: Russia allowed to participate in the Olympics

Not the same as the World Cup

At the same time, the Ski Classics board stresses that the decision will affect the series differently than the World Cup, but they are now waiting for further developments within FIS.

“The AIN status applies only to individuals. Accordingly, Russian and Belarusian Pro Teams remain ineligible to apply for a Pro Team license in Ski Classics. As Ski Classics points are earned through affiliation with a Pro Team, Ski Classics has requested clarification from FIS on whether athletes granted AIN status may be registered with, and compete for, a non-Russian/non-Belarusian Pro Team within Ski Classics. We await FIS’s response,” the statement says, continuing:

“For Ski Classics Pro Tour events, an active FIS license is already required to be seeded in the elite group, even if the athlete is not a Pro Team registered skier. Ski Classics will further clarify that eligibility for elite seeding also requires approved AIN status for athletes from nationalities currently subject to FIS suspension.”

“Finally, Ski Classics expects FIS to provide clear and timely information to Ski Classics and its event organizers regarding which athletes have been granted AIN status as approvals are issued over time.”

Read More: These Russians may be ready for the World Cup

Definitely without Bolshunov

One athlete who certainly will not be on the start line this winter is Alexander Bolshunov, the man who won five Olympic medals in 2022, even though he has also tried long-distance racing.

The controversial Russian is not eligible for the World Cup, the Olympics, or Ski Classics. First, he will not meet the criteria for neutral athletes. In addition, he has now been suspended by his own Ski Association after this weekend’s fight in the Russian Cup.

After Saturday’s sprint, Bolshunov completely lost control. He attacked a rival in the finish area, leaving him so injured that he could not start Sunday’s race. Now the Russian Ski Association has decided to suspend Bolshunov.

Also Read: Sprint clash in Russia prompts urgent disciplinary talks

 Are you interested in long-distance skiing? Click HERE and read more about it.

As a member of ProXCskiing.com, you get full access to all content on the site. Also, live streaming of Ski Classics events with English commentaries is available.

When you become part of one of the World’s leading XC ski communities, you will receive many exclusive offers all year round.

REGISTER HERE AS A MEMBER