What’s next for RAW Air? World Cup chief breaks silence after disaster in Vikersund

What’s next for RAW Air? World Cup chief breaks silence after disaster in Vikersund

Ski jumping has been in the spotlight recently, but not for the reasons that its organizers would have preferred. The Raw Air tournament, which took place merely a week later, couldn't shake off the shadow of controversy. "We need to speak to the Norwegian federation after what happened," said World Cup director Sandro Pertile in a conversation with skijumping.pl.

The scandal surrounding Norwegian athletes and their jumpsuits during the World Championships hosted in their country has noticeably tainted the sport's reputation. The subsequent edition of Raw Air was impacted by this atmosphere, leading to a significantly different experience than previous versions.

The eighth edition concluded recently with controversies taking the forefront instead of sports excitement. There were no top Norwegian jumpers participating due to disqualifications, and noticeable gaps among the audience likely reflected the negative atmosphere that surrounded the event. Moreover, the competition format was shortened, resulting in fewer jumps and further complications stemming from the ongoing inquiry involving the Norwegian Ski Federation after the World Championships in Trondheim.

Pertile retained an optimistic view, stating, "We must talk with the Norwegian federation regarding what transpired, but I am confident we will find a good solution for next year. We have a strong organizer and a solid federation here."

The spokesperson for the Norwegian Ski Association, Steinar Bjerkmann, also addressed the situation, noting that the event's structure was adjusted due to the World Championships and the congested FIS calendar. He expressed hope for a return to the standard format appreciated by both the athletes and fans.

Conclusion

After the competition in Vikersund, the athletes will head to Lahti, where the World Cup season will conclude at the end of March. However, questions linger about whether Raw Air can regain its previous glory in 2026 and how the Norwegians will navigate the fallout from the ongoing scandal.