FIS alter starting regulations
Top ski racers will benefit from a new starting procedure next season in order to make the system fairer. Under current rules, the world's top 30 downhill and super-G racers start in reverse order with the top-ranked skier going last. However, leading skiers complained that rapidly deteriorating snow conditions meant they were at a disadvantage.
The International Skiing Federation (FIS) has now approved a new system based on a draw. Under the new regulations, the top seven competitors present will be drawn for the starting positions 16 to 22 with the next eight drawn from 8 to 15. The next 15 skiers will be drawn within the start numbers 1 to 7 and 23 to 30.
At the same meeting in Protoroz, Slovenia, the FIS has also decided to shorten the 2008 World Ski Championships in Val d'Isere by three days to 13 days.
Source: BBC News
