World Cup ski races cancelled
After recent speculation that the slow, warm start to the season could threaten some of the Ski World Cup races scheduled for next month, it has been confirmed today by FIS, that the 51st Criterium de la Premiere Neige Mens Downhill and Super Combined has been cancelled due to "lack of snow and warm temperatures." Set to take place in Val d'Isere on the 9/10th December, temperatures have hovered around six degrees Celsius in Val today and the snow layer is only 15 centimetres thick.
With a similar picture right across Europe at the moment, FIS have also had to cancel races in Austria, Switzerland, Norway, Italy and elsewhere in France.
At the moment it is unclear whether a reschedule for the Men's event will be possible and also what the verdict will be on the Women's Downhill and Super G competitions, due to run a week later (16/17th December).