Ok, the fluoro wax ban by FIS is official, and now? Let’s get the first and most important question answered right away: Yes, this rule also applies to popular skiers. The fluoro wax ban is a FIS rule, valid at all FIS races – and all Worldloppet races are such.
The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) has initiated a transformative change in the world of cross-country skiing with the complete implementation of the fluor wax ban with winter 2023/24. This decisive step is poised to revolutionize competitive skiing by ensuring fair play, prioritizing athlete health, and addressing environmental concerns.
What the Fluoro Wax Ban Means for Cross-Country Skiers
This game-changing ban not only impacts the elite athletes participating in top-tier competitions but also resonates with skiing enthusiasts at every level. Let’s explore the implications and significance of this ban for both professionals and passionate skiers.
The fluor wax ban marks a significant change in the landscape of competitive skiing. It signifies a commitment to the well-being of athletes and the preservation of our natural surroundings, as fluorine waxes have been linked to health concerns and environmental damage. This move by FIS is expected to level the playing field and ensure fair competition by eliminating the performance-enhancing benefits of fluor waxes. While it may pose a challenge for professional skiers and their support teams – and also for popular skiers – to adapt to the new regulations, the long-term benefits of this ban in terms of athlete health and environmental sustainability are profound. As the ban approaches full implementation in the 2023-24 winter season, FIS is actively working alongside stakeholders to prepare everyone for this monumental shift in the world of cross-country skiing.
Live Talk: Fluoro free waxing with Dr. Jörg Rathenow
Facts instead of Myths about the Fluoro Wax Ban by FIS
– “This rule only applies to athletes with an active FIS code.”
WRONG! The rule applies to all FIS races (all Worldloppet races are such) and every participant in such a race. So, every skier from elite to amateur has to follow the fluoro wax ban.
– “There are no alternatives to fluoro waxes.”
WRONG! Almost all waxing brands are working on products, as good as fluorine waxes.
– “I have to buy new skis as my old skis are contaminated.”
WRONG! It is possible to clean your gear by yourself, so no traces of fluorine is left. See Cleaning Guidelines below.
– “There is no way to control this rule. Specially not in ski marathons.”
TRUE! Well at least partially. It is totally clear, that it won’t be possible to test 15.000 skiers at a Vasaloppet. But the same counts for doping. It should be in the nature of a skier, to follow the rules of a competition, not only because I could get tested, but because I am a sportsman. And in this case, the rule is for our own health and the nature.
But there will be some kind of sample-testing.
– “Only the elite skiers will be tested.”
TRUE & WRONG! At a skimarathon, the elite will be tested detailed. The FIS has been working on a control method wich is quick, easy and precise. But also the field of the popular skiers will be tested in some way. The upcoming season will show, how these tests will look like. The race organizers are working on good methods.
Gear Cleaning Guidelines to Ensure Fluoro-Free Skis
In light of the fluor wax ban by FIS, it’s essential for skiers to understand how to effectively clean their gear to eliminate any traces of fluorine waxes. Following FIS’s official guidelines and suggestions, here’s a comprehensive list of steps and tools you can use to ensure your skis and equipment are free from contamination:
Cleaning Tools from Fluoro Wax
- Start by thoroughly cleaning your tools to remove dust particles. Use high-pressure air or vacuum to achieve this.
- For brushes, soak them in a wax cleaner, then blow them with air pressure, and vacuum when dry.
- Softer brushes, such as roto wool and roto fleece (used for powders and liquids), may be challenging to clean, and it’s often best to replace them.
- Clean your plexi scraper with wax remover.
- Ensure your wax table and ski profile are clean and free from fluor residues.
- Clean your iron with Fluor-free (FF) hot wax and dry it with a clean paper.
Cleaning Skis from Fluoro Wax
- To clean your skis, you’ll need to follow a meticulous process.
- Start by cleaning your skis a minimum of 2 times using a liquid wax remover. Brush in between and allow it to dry.
- Next, clean your skis at least 2 times by hot waxing and scraping them. Make sure to use Fluor Free wax and clean tools (brushes).
- Look for a base wax that you’re comfortable with (a mix of soft and hard waxes often works well) and ensure it is Fluor Free.
- Continue to wax your skis with FF wax when preparing to train on snow.
- After spring and summer ski camps, follow the same procedure to verify the cleaning quality of your skis, then you can transition to using FF race wax. Always monitor the quality of the waxes used and communicate with your wax suppliers to plan effectively.
Additional Gear Cleaning
- Clean your ski bag meticulously by blowing and vacuuming it.
- Ensure wax boxes and drawers are cleaned by vacuuming, blowing, and wiping with wax remover.
Working Clothes cleaning
- Wash your working clothes and aprons before using Fluor Free products. Contamination from dusty clothes and aprons is highly likely.
Which Waxes to use?
- Verify that the waxes you intend to use are certified fluor-free. Work closely with your wax supplier to establish a comprehensive plan.
- Do not manipulate “official” waxes with your own external additives unless you are absolutely sure about the content. Many products, particularly cleaning and lubricating substances, contain banned fluorinated additives.
To prepare your equipment for the upcoming season, follow a thoughtful and systematic approach. Start with cleaning the larger parts like the wax cabin and tables before moving on to more detailed gear. This method reduces the risk of contamination along the way, ensuring that you won’t have to repeat the cleaning process multiple times to achieve full control and maintain fluor-free equipment.
Here is an article showing, how the Vasaloppet has handled the Fluoro controls at their 2024 edition.
