Overview
- The International Ski Federation announced on Friday that athletes may use only four competition suits per season, a maximum of two different suits per World Cup weekend, and the same suit model must be worn in qualification and competition.
- FIS framed the change as a way to reduce material advantages that top nations gained by cycling many suit models and to lower the sport's equipment costs and waste.
- Competition suits cost several hundred euros each and lose stiffness with use, which can reduce in-air performance and gave teams an incentive to rotate large suit inventories.
- National equipment staff welcomed the rule as a logistical relief, with Austrian expert Balthasar Schneider saying the new limits will make preparation less hectic for material teams.
- The rule takes effect for the new World Cup season starting 20 November in Lillehammer and will be tested across major events such as the Vierschanzentournee and the Nordic World Ski Championships following last season's suit controversy.