Next winter, the fluor ban will be introduced at all FIS and IBU sanctioned competitions. The Norwegian Ski Association has hired a fluor-free coordinator for the work. “We will only have ‘green’ skis,” says Stein Olav Snesrud.

For the third year, the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) and the International Biathlon Union (IBU) have decided that from the 2023/24 season, a total fluor ban will be introduced at all sanctioned events.

In Norway, the National Ski Association has hired a full-time fluor-free coordinator. 

Having served as the head of waxing in cross-country skiing since 2018, Stein Olav Snesrud embarks on a new endeavor as he takes on the crucial role of preparing and implementing the fluor ban across the Norwegian Ski Association. In his shared role for cross-country skiing and the association centrally, Snesrud will coordinate with resource persons from various branches, ensuring a seamless transition to a fluor-free environment in compliance with FIS regulations.

In other words, this means that Snesrud is responsible for ensuring that none of the Norwegian skiers test positive for fluor on their skis.

“Now the fluor ban is finally being introduced. This means that much of what we in the waxing team have done and the products we have used will disappear, and we notice that there is a great demand for information,” says Snesrud to Langrenn.com, and adds:

“A lot depends on how this is solved practically and as simply as possible. It is, above all, about cleaning skis and equipment and other practical preparations for a fluor-free everyday life. It is advantageous to have a central person at the ski association responsible for providing good information and establishing good routines.”

Snesrud believes that he has a lot to contribute to that context.

“We have done a lot in this area for several years, ever since the ban was adopted for the first time (2019). During the World Cup in Falun in March, we also carried out a test for the test equipment and the entire procedure with everything from marking skis, submission of skis, and the inspection itself to see that everything works in practice,” he says.

How does the test device work? 

“The test device works so the skier gets a green light if the skis do not test positive for fluor. But if the device detects traces of fluor on the skis, the skier gets a red light and is not allowed to start,” and complements:

“Skis can also be tested after the race, and fluor is a volatile substance that will always reach the surface. This can cause skis to test red after you’ve been skiing them for a while. That is why it is important that skis that have been in contact with fluor before are cleaned several times before competing on them.”

There have been problems with the test equipment needing to be more reliable, giving a green light where fluor has been used, and that fluor-free skis get a red light. Are you sure the equipment is good enough now? 

“The equipment works, but it is still under development. FIS and IBU work continuously with the software.”

The equipment has also been criticized because it is relatively easy to cheat, giving a green light even though fluor has been used. Is it still possible to cheat the device? 

“You should never say never. But as I said, you can test skis before and after the race, so I don’t think there will be any problems. There has been a huge step forward. I think it’s hard to cheat it in a way that gives a competitive advantage.”

Will the equipment be completely reliable and ready for the start of the season in November? 

“Yes, I hope and believe so. This is what FIS and IBU are focusing on, and they have now started a good collaboration with the wax suppliers. Among other things, FIS and IBU organize meetings where suppliers can test their products. After all, it is in everyone’s interest that all fluor-free products get the green light.”

What does the fluor ban mean for the work of the waxing teams? 

“It means that we have to set up our working day a little differently on the day of the competition and that we cannot test skis so close to the start of the race. But the most important thing is having good routines and cleaning our skis and equipment well enough. We will only have green skis. It should not be a topic that we have skiers who are not allowed to start because we do not have fluor-free skis.”

Last year, the fluor ban was postponed again, partly because of the problems mentioned above with the testing equipment. Will the ban be delayed once more? 

“No. Now I hope and believe that the fluor ban will finally be implemented on a full scale.”

This is how the tests work

At the competition arenas, the tests will take place as follows: Each competitor can hand in up to two pairs of skis, and the skis must be handed in no later than half an hour before the start. There, the skis are checked by the hand-held test device.

The equipment lights up green if it does not detect fluor and a red light if it detects fluor on the skis. Skiers who receive a red light may not start. The skiers’ skis can also be tested again after the competition. If the skis then test red, the skier will be disqualified.

Read More: Skepticism remains among experts regarding fluoride ban

Also Read: Norwegian Ski Association appoints new waxing manager and fluoride-free coordinator