Short grass skiing season highlighted by event in Iran

By Published On: July 17th, 2016Comments Off on Short grass skiing season highlighted by event in Iran

Summer is half way done and we’re less than 100 days away from the alpine skiing World Cup opener. If you’re missing the excitement of World Cup alpine skiing, there is another sport to follow.

Grass skiing has reached its halfway mark in the season after giant slalom, super-G and combined races were staged in Kaprun, Austria last weekend. Three of six FIS World Cup stops have now been completed. Yes, grass skiing is a FIS-sanctioned sport with World Championship events and tight races for the Overall Globe just like in alpine skiing.

The current men’s World Cup standings have Mirko Hueppi (SUI) in first position ahead of Edoardo Frau (ITA) and Jan Gardavsky (CZE). Hueppi showed he is in great shape this season with five podiums including two victories, but the battle for the overall title remains contentious. The second half of the World Cup also promises to be exciting on the ladies’ side where Jaqueline Gerlach (AUT) – with four victories – is leading ahead of Barbara Mikova (SVK) and Kristin Hetfleisch (AUT).

The second half of the season is set to continue on August 20 in Santa Caterina, Italy with slalom races after which the tour moves on to Marbachegg, Switzerland and Ravascletto Sauris, Italy, where the season finals will be held from September 1-9.

Outside of the World Cup events, the end of the junior season will be highlighted by the FIS Grass Skiing Junior World Championships from July 23-29 in Dizin, Iran. The venue hosted a World Cup race last year, where an Iranian athlete dominated on home turf.

Photo from Mirko Hueppi Facebook page

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About the Author: SR Staff Report