Petter Myhlback, the former service manager of the Swedish national team, expresses concerns about the upcoming implementation of the fluoride ban.

For the third consecutive year, the International Ski & Snowboard Federation (FIS) has announced that a ban on fluorinated waxes will be enforced at all sanctioned events starting in the upcoming season. The implementation of this decision has been delayed in previous seasons due to the need for more reliable testing equipment. However, all indications now suggest that the fluorine ban will be in effect from the upcoming winter season.

Petter Myhlback, who recently concluded his role as a wax service manager for the Swedish national cross-country ski team, shares his perspective on the matter: 

“First and foremost, let me clarify that I am fully supportive of a fluorine ban, but it must be implemented in a manner that ensures safety and fairness. To be honest, I anticipate potential chaos. There’s a significant risk that some individuals may attempt to cheat with their skis, particularly in specific conditions where the time advantages of using fluorinated waxes are substantial. It is of utmost importance that competitions remain fair,” explains Myhlback to Langd.se.

When asked about his suggested approach, Myhlback suggests: 

“I believe the fluorine ban should be fully enforced in youth categories right from the start. This would facilitate a smooth and seamless transition. It would work exceptionally well, allowing the Swedish Ski Association to focus on education and providing information. However, at the elite level, such as the World Cup or World Cup selections, it becomes risky to implement a system with significant uncertainty. I would prefer to see FIS intensify testing efforts, thoroughly evaluate the system, and consider implementing it entirely in a few years, alongside the introduction of EU legislation.”

When questioned about his expectations regarding the outcome, Myhlback expresses his concerns: 

“I believe we will witness a fluoride-free environment at Ruka (the World Cup opener), but unfortunately, there are strong indications that ‘red test results’ will surface before the event commences. Skiers might be wrongly labeled as cheaters, as some skis could be marked as having fluorine when they are actually fluoride-free,” Myhlback states.

One of the challenges faced at both national and international levels is the availability of testing equipment. A fluorine testing machine costs approximately EUR 30,000. Myhlback highlights this issue, saying: 

“If the price were more reasonable, purchasing equipment for a few associations would be feasible. However, with the current cost, the national federation can only acquire a limited number. It’s not just cross-country skiing that needs to be fluorine-free; the ban applies equally to alpine and ski cross disciplines. Therefore, the association will face a significant investment, as testing equipment will be required for events such as the premiere in Gällivare or national cup competitions,” concludes Myhlback.

Read More: FIS commits to fluor-free competitions with a full waxing ban from the 2023/2024 season.

Also Read: This is how fluor-free and common waxing are tested at the World Cup in Tallinn