May 02, 2013 – The FIS anti-doping programme focus turns from the post-competition tests to a substantial out-of-competition testing programme in order to maintain the fight against the use of doping in skiing and snowboarding.

During the 2012/2013 competition season, FIS performed as many as 2,170 out-of-competition tests, including blood (246) and urine tests (498, whereby 291 with EPO analysis) as well as blood passport samples (1,426).

These numbers include the pre-competition blood controls that were carried out at the FIS World Ski Championships and FIS Junior World Ski Championships.

Additionally 643 in-competition urine tests were completed by FIS at World Cup and World Championship events, whereby 205 samples were additionally analysed for EPO. Furthermore, a small number of blood samples were collected (35 blood, 14 blood passport samples).

In addition, a large number of doping controls were carried out by the National Anti-Doping Agencies both in- and out-of-competition.

For detailed year-by-year statistics click HERE.

February 21, 2012 (Cable, WI) – There has been a worldwide surge in classic racing the last two years.  Major marathons, such as the American Birkebeiner, used to focus on skating with classic receiving a secondary status.  That status is undergoing a major change at Marathons throughout the world.  Skiers are discovering the joy of classic and Marathons with both techniques are witnessing parity in numbers.  The end result of this growth is that manufacturers are putting extensive R & D into classic gear at an unprecedented level.  Arrive at the Telemark Lodge in Cable, Wisconsin this Friday, February 24, and you will have the opportunity to test some major innovations in classic gear.

The most innovative classic product you will get to test is Atomic’s new Worldcup Classic SDS. With the help of the Aukland brothers from Norway and Denise Herrmann of Germany, Atomic’s new classic ski has taken Gold, Silver and Bronze at the primary Marathons this year such as the Konig Ludwig in Germany and the Marcialonga in Italy.  The new technology has a highly elastic ABS insert in the kick zone combined with high rebound graphite laminates. The low-camber kick zone rides well above the snow during glide, but it takes only a little pressure and the kick zone easily comes down for fantastic grip.  Try it on some of Telemark’s famous World Cup trails and you will be taken aback by how fast the ski glides while still providing grip for unequaled climbing.

Atomic has also been highly innovative with its new Worldcup Classic boot.  Nordic race boots may not have the hard outer shell of an alpine boot, but they still have an actual outer shell and inner liner.  Atomic’s new WC Classic boot is unique in that the lacing connects to the outer shell for excellent closure around the foot.

Worldloppet and World Cup athletes have been extremely pleased with the new lacing system.  They have instantly switched to the new boots even when they have received them just days before a major race.  Atomic likes to point out that their boots have won more Olympic and World Championship medals for the US Ski Team than all other brands combined.