FIS admits mistake: Norway did nothing wrong in skiathlon controversy

“Norway did nothing wrong. They asked and received permission. The only mistake was mine,” said FIS Race Director Michal Lamplot to Norwegian media.

Just hours after several nations, including Germany and Sweden, reacted to what they believed was an unfair advantage given to the Norwegian team, the International Ski Federation (FIS) has now issued a statement taking responsibility.

And clearing Norway of any wrongdoing.

The controversy began when Sweden’s national team manager, Anders Byström, learned that Norway allegedly received permission from FIS during Tuesday’s sprint competition to use a so-called adhesive roller between the quarterfinal and final rounds.

The sprint event saw Johannes Høsflot Klæbo take gold, Oskar Opstad Vike claim bronze, and Julie Bjervig Drivenes and Kristine Stavås Skistad finish fourth and fifth, respectively. A strong showing for the Norwegian team in a key event.

“I expect them (FIS) to address this tonight and clarify what is allowed. I don’t think everyone is aware,” Byström stated.

Eurosport first reported the story.

An adhesive roller allows for quick and easy adjustments to the kick zone of the skis, potentially providing a significant advantage.

“My Mistake”

FIS Race Director Lamplot explained to NRK that before the race, representatives from the Norwegian team inquired about using the adhesive roller between heats.

After a discussion between a FIS official and Lamplot, they granted Norway permission.

Although, that information was not communicated to the other nations, leaving Norway as the sole beneficiary.

“This is my mistake. I did not communicate, and it should have happened. I will ensure that we avoid this going forward,” Lamplot said.

“It would have been a useful tool for us as well if we had known that it was allowed. I don’t know if the outcome would have been better for Sweden, but FIS should have given all nations the same prerequisites,” said Sweden’s waxing manager Anders Svanebo to HBO Max.

National team manager Byström believes all nations should have received the same permission as Norway.

“Is this a big advantage to have when preparing for a sprint?”

“It goes highly quickly then, and you can get it really good. It’s an advantage,” he replied.

Germany’s Swedish coach Per Nilsson also believes Norway’s actions were not permitted.

“It was quite clear at the team leaders’ meeting what type of aids were allowed. That (the adhesive roller) was not on the list,” he told NRK.

“Do you understand that other nations are angry, Lamplot?”

“Yes, both that they are angry and that they were not informed.”

Norway: “Received Permission”

Before each competition, FIS informs teams of the rules that apply to each race.

These were the rules in effect for Tuesday’s sprint:

Norway’s waxing manager Tord Hegdahl explained the adhesive roller as follows:

“We have the opportunity to adjust the grip between heats in the sprint. This is to take place in the waxing area. To avoid taking the skis out of that area, we have adhered to what is allowed to bring in there,” he said.

Hegdahl told NRK that they had a dialogue with FIS before the race and received permission.

Which FIS now admits.