Shocking glide for German Team in World Cup

The World Champion in 15 km classical technique from last year, Axel Teichmann, impressed the most by catching the new Swedish hero Anders Södergren just a few feet from the finish line. However, René Sommerfeldt had by far the best glide on his Norwegian Madshus skis.

– We all had great skis, but I have never before skied on such fast skis. Although I was often last of the lead group on top of the hills, I was almost always in the lead at the bottom, says Sommerfeldt, shaking his head after his bronze medal.

Others a bit behind
The Germans were not willing to talk up the secret, but Marnar Dalen, former waxing boss for the Norwegian Team as well as former head coach for the Swedish Team, had the following explanation:

– For a long time National Wax Teams have wished for an instrument that could measure the skis’ pressure (against the snow) along the entire base of the ski. Everyone has been able to measure the camber of the ski, and the stiffness of the ski, but this is not always enough. Two years ago, German toolmakers developed a method to measure what they wanted, and have improved the instrument since.

– Last year, the Swedish Team also developed a similar instrument, but it is still not working as well. The Germans however continue to improve theirs, says Dalen.

Until other Nations also develop similar instruments, we may have to accept German (and Swedish) skiers speeding first down the hills for a while.