Russian ski jumpers may skip early World Cup stages

Russian ski jumpers may skip the opening stages of the upcoming FIS World Cup season. Despite being granted neutral status by the International Ski Federation (FIS), the team is considering bypassing the initial events scheduled in Lillehammer, Norway, and Ruka, Finland.

Russian head coach Evgenij Plechov stated that the team is evaluating which international appointments are most suitable, specifically regarding safety conditions and organizational aspects. Representatives from the Russian federation, including Vice President Dmitrij Dubrovskij, plan to meet with World Cup director Sandro Pertile in Klingenthal, Germany, in late October to finalize their participation plan.

If the current plan proceeds, the athletes may begin their international season in Germany at Titisee-Neustadt or in Engelberg, Switzerland, before participating in the Four Hills Tournament. To compete, Russian athletes must maintain individual neutral status, sign neutrality declarations, comply with anti-doping requirements, and refrain from using national symbols. Team competitions remain prohibited.