Unexpected World Cup Luck for Klingenthal?

Nordic Combined: Unexpected World Cup Luck for Klingenthal?

Klingenthal in Saxony may soon host a World Cup during the upcoming winter season, unexpectedly coming up in discussions between the FIS and the German Ski Association regarding a World Cup event for Nordic combined in January.

Stefan Schwarzbach, communication board member of the German Ski Association, mentioned, "We are working hard towards reaching an agreement. Klingenthal is ready." The FIS Nordic combined sports director, Lasse Ottesen, expressed optimism about Klingenthal's eagerness, stating, "I am glad that Klingenthal is so motivated. We are in good discussions."

Calendar Gaps Due to World Cup Cancellations

Klingenthal is not listed for events this winter in the World Cup schedules for jumps or combined disciplines. However, it can potentially benefit from cancellations in Val di Fiemme and Hakuba. The new Olympic jumps in Val di Fiemme are not completed, and Hakuba had to cancel for financial reasons.

With a Continental Cup scheduled on January 12-13, Klingenthal already has some of the necessary infrastructure and snow preparations ready. The regionality of this winter also means that a successful World Cup would greatly serve the Nordic combined disciplines, especially with the Olympics coming, where combined skiing faces scrutiny from the IOC.

Financials at Stake

Ottesen mentioned that funding remains a critical issue for the proposed event, emphasizing the need for a consensus that ensures the sport doesn't become a victim of budgeting decisions. According to sources, around 150,000 euros would be required to secure the World Cup in January. A decision is expected soon as to whether the event will indeed take place in Klingenthal, which would signal a positive development for the discipline, which has already had limited appearances on the World Cup calendar this season.