harmful to the environment and to health, fluoride now banned in the preparation of skis

The biathlon season starts on Saturday and for the first time, biathletes are banned from using fluoride to wax their skis. A product once praised and now denounced for its harmful impact on the environment and health.

It was the Arlesian of skiing: was fluoride going to disappear from waxing trucks? Delayed many times, the measure is finally applied. For 40 years, these perfluorinated materials were used without limit to make spatulas slide. A miracle product, we thought, but with harmful consequences for the environment and dangerous for the health of athletes and technicians. A highly commented novelty as the biathlon season restarts on Saturday November 25 with the World Cup in Ostersund in Sweden.

The consequences of this measure are not negligible. With fluoride banned, races will be slower, explains five-time French Olympic medalist Quentin Fillon-Maillet. “Over the last eight years, we had more than 90-95% of competitions with fluoride. This is the test that worked besthe said. Without fluoride, we will have to come to terms with the idea that the races will be slower. We’re talking about a difference of almost a minute per lap over a 10 km. It’s going to be a new benchmark for us.”anticipates the professional.

For the Jura native, on the professional circuit for ten years, we must expect more differences. “The longer the race time, the more the gaps will grow, proportionally to the level of skiing. Being one of the good skiers in recent years, it is certain that it will be to my advantage”judge Quentin Fillon-Maillet.

Norway is already a step ahead

At the beginning of November, 22 French technicians tested an alternative to fluoride. Even if, in this area, the Norwegians once again seem to have a head start: the first pre-season races showed their overwhelming domination. This makes some people, like Norwegian Tiril Eckhoff, eight-time Olympic medalist and recently retired, fear the worst. This is what she said a few days ago on television in her country: “There is a huge difference between Norwegians and foreigners. It’s a worrying situation and not pleasant to watch. We want fluoride-free waxing to be as fair as possible. I don’t like that there are such big differences”deplores the sportswoman.

Quentin Fillon-Maillet says nothing else. “The Norwegians have always had more budget, more technicians, financial means which allow them to be more efficient. We have experienced this for many years and it is certain that the results in the Norwegian Cup worried us a little. This will be a lever for the start of the season.”he assures.

To avoid any cheating, the skis will be analyzed just before and after the races and if the test turns red, the biathlete will be disqualified.