Ruka's moguls course in great shape for the World Cup Opening
The preparations for the first FIS Freestyle Ski World Cup competition of the season are well under way at Ruka ski resort in Kuusamo, Finland. The mogul events scheduled for Saturday look to take place in excellent conditions.
More than 20 people have worked hard on the race course since last weekend, and both the athletes and the coaches seem to be very pleased with the result.
"The voluntary workers have done a great job. We haven't received any negative feedback regarding the moguls", said the Chief of Course, Jussi-Pekka Kinnunen on Wednesday.
So far the only thing causing trouble for the organizing committee is the Finnair cabin crew strike and its support strikes. Because of these, some teams have been forced to adjust their traveling plans. Although all of the teams have arrived in Kuusamo in time for Saturday's World Cup Opening, the biggest problems still lie ahead, says Marko Mustonen from Ski Sport Finland:
"Since the next World Cup event is already held next Wednesday in Meribel, France, we're going to have to come up with some special arrangements in order to get the teams there in time – if the strike continues over the weekend."
Mustonen, who's also the head of the men's Freestyle Ski Team Finland, is confident that everything will work out fine eventually. When it comes to the success of the Finnish freestyle skiers, he's aiming for all of them to reach the finals.
"Especially local guy Ville Miettunen has displayed some fine form recently. I expect good performances from the other athletes as well, for the delight of the home crowd", Mustonen says.
The ladies' final is scheduled for 3.30 p.m. and the men's final 4 p.m. on Saturday. For more information, go to www.freestyleopening.fi.
