Norwegian Skier Ragnhild Mowinckel First to be Disqualified Under New Wax Rule

Mowinckel was disqualified after her skis failed a mandatory post-run test for fluorinated wax, a substance banned this season due to potential health and environmental risks.

• Two-time Olympic silver medalist Ragnhild Mowinckel became the first skier to be disqualified under the new wax rule at the season-opening women's World Cup race.
• Her skis showed a high value of fluorinated wax, a substance now forbidden due to its potential harmful effects on health and environment, exceeding the minimum threshold in a mandatory post-run test.
• Mowinckel, having finished the first leg in sixth place, was removed from the competition post the test results by FIS officials.
• Mowinckel's equipment supplier, Head, has expressed shock and disbelief over the disqualification, with no immediate explanation available.
• Fluorinated wax, used for decades by ski technicians in alpine and cross-country skiing, cuts friction by repelling moisture and dirt, thus increasing the skis' speed.

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