Olympic champion Clément Noël deems the attribution of the Asian Winter Video games to Saudi Arabia “absurd”

The Olympic slalom champion, Clément Noël didn’t mince his phrases, Monday, October 10 throughout a press convention. Requested concerning the determination to arrange the Asian Winter Video games in Saudi Arabia, but additionally concerning the impression of worldwide warming, the Olympic slalom champion in Beijing in 2022 gave his opinion, very clear.

“It is absurd to place (the Asian Winter Video games) there”launched Clément Noël, six days after the 2029 version of the competitors was awarded to Neom, a futuristic megalopolis beneath development within the mountainous desert within the northwest of the oil-rich Gulf state. “From an ecological viewpoint, it appears to be a catastrophe, however I do not know sufficient concerning the undertaking to speak about it. I do know the sporting side, and at this degree, Saudi Arabia has nothing to do in sports activities circles. mountain, no one watches that, no one does that. Skiers, we need to race in locations steeped within the historical past of our sports activities. It is disappointing to see Video games in international locations that do not have a mountain tradition. “

Requested concerning the impression of worldwide warming on his sport, the Vosges requested that the habits “change, with our personal authorities, to include this world warming in appropriate proportions.”

“The Worldwide Ski Federation (FIS) ought to already take the issue head on. We’ve got the impression that we by no means hear concerning the setting on the FIS. The primary measure can be to adapt this system to cowl as few kilometers as doable in the course of the season, to not shuttle between the USA and Europe, to not add phases in China as a result of they need to promote their mountain. Let the FIS suggest and we’ll be the primary to become involved. However we, on our personal, can not boycott occasions which are too far-off. My job stays to carry out properly on skis in winter“, concluded the 25-year-old Frenchman. The Ski World Cup begins its season on the finish of the month in Soelden, Austria.