Kommentare zu: Big changes to the Freeride World Tour 2011 – for better or worse?

Von: Lorraine Huber

Lorraine Huber — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 21:29:18 +0000

Als Antwort auf Mary Baldwin. Some very good points here, thanks Mary!

Von: Lorraine Huber

Lorraine Huber — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 21:28:03 +0000

Als Antwort auf Eric. thanks for your comment eric. the point is that a seperate WT for the women would generate an entirely new pool of potential sponsors. it wouldn't meant that the existing sponsors need to fork out more funds, which I also believe isn't realistic.

Von: Mary Baldwin

Mary Baldwin — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 19:17:39 +0000

I think this is a positive move for womens freeride skiing. Women cannot compete on the same level as men, as with football, rugby etc That does NOT mean that they are not skiing at an incredibly high level and are improving and reaching new levels every year. Seeing women ski a run after men makes them look bad, it is a simple fact, generally the viewer does not appreciate how technical the line is or how difficult the conditions are. The women are skiing much slower and not taking such big air, this does not make interesting TV or help manufacturers sell equipment. Freeride skiing has a very small following and the footage must be fast, furious and interesting to grab the publics interest and boost the image of the sport.
Having women ski separately will allow a greater number of skiers to take part, this is fantastic. I don’t believe that the skiers who are competing are the best in the world, they are just lucky enough to be able to afford not to work and travel around skiing. There is so much untapped talent out there who are put off by the closed door, elitist attitude if the FWT. Having to have a ref from a WT competitor???? Not everyone skis with FWT skiers on a regular basis, or has a camera crew or photographer to provide the images required to gain entry into the elusive FWT qualifiers. This is NOT the way to encourage women to take part. Great skiers ski for the love of the sport and the pull of the mountains, they will not be bothered with all the red tape involved in these competitions, entry must be made simpler. More small comps with open entries to try and encourage new talent.
More competitors = better competition = higher standard of skiing.

Von: Eric

Eric — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 16:35:37 +0000

I think that this FWT decision can help the women by building up from a larger pool. Initially this looks like a slap in the face, but it can be a blessing in disguise. The lack of FWT events in North America have, in my mind, hurt the ladies events more than the men. This problem has essentially been eliminated.
I believe your thoughts about starting a second and separate tour sound a bit ridiculous as this will make it even tougher to garner media attention. Media/sponsors would have to fork out even more money for a second tour, and I do not think that is likely. I work for a manufacturer (not in ski industry) in a growing sector and we are always trying to find ways to spend less, not more 🙂

Von: Lorraine Huber

Lorraine Huber — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 21:42:24 +0000

Thanks for your contribution people! Nacho: I agree with you, I believe generally this is heading in the right direction, there had to be a change to how the FWT was run previously in regards to the women. And if there is a bigger starter field, it is a big plus!

Von: Nacho Ferrer Catena

Nacho Ferrer Catena — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 15:32:36 +0000

The Women brought to the FWT10 incredible moments that left no doubt about the awesome progression of female skiing and the interests it develops for media.
Jackie’s run in Squaw made us tremble, hold our breath and explode in joy (twice actually, one after each bump) and the runs of many other newcomer ladies like Julia or Ingrid gave the tour an extra thing.
I finished my Squaw tv piece with Jackie, cause I couldn’t think of anyone else, boy or girl, better for the show. It was an honour for me!
I also carried a special piece on Julia in Verbier that doubled the „on air“ time for the FWT for the final on Euronews, the European CNN, the biggest news channel in Europe.
If this is a step to increase competition in the women’s arena and create a nice, evolutive and homogeneous women ranking for the season after, then it seems like a good move. If not, then thumb down. Although I am pretty sure it’s a move forward. The FWT people care about the sport and about their athletes, women or men.
One thing for sure: we are going to miss you all!

Von: chris garside

chris garside — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 12:52:13 +0000

I think for the most it s a good idea. There definitely needs to be more woman competing. Having only 7 woman at the finals in Verbier is kind of ridiculous. Hopefully the new changes will encourage more woman to compete and to get the media recognition and finacial backing they deserve! However it is a shame to have to split this event between woman and men and not to be able to compete and celebrate together.

Von: Tricia

Tricia — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 11:50:48 +0000

The primary down side I see to this change is the possibility of not having the deserved coverage if the media is forced to budget for men/women’s competition.

The increase in women participants is most definitely an upside.
I’ll be paying attention to how this unfolds.
Tricia

Von: christine hayes

christine hayes — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 08:25:51 +0000

2011 – equal opportunity!!! the FWT women’s competition needs to equal what the men have available to their comp. the woman are taking as much risk and having to cover equal expenses to compete as the men. the end result is not equal. not fair jan!!!