Ex-German ski star Neureuther opposes future World Cup airbag rules
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Former German skier Felix Neureuther has criticized the future mandatory use of airbags in World Cup speed disciplines.
From the 2024-25 season, governing body the FIS will make it compulsory for women and men to wear a special airbag under their ski suit in super-G and downhill to help protect them in case of crashes.
"For my part as an athlete, I wouldn't have liked it to be compulsory. I would have felt extremely restricted in my freedom of movement," the 39-year-old retired skier told ARD on the sidelines of the super-G in Bormio on Friday.
"What is mainly protected by this airbag is the upper body area," added Neureuther. However, there are hardly any injuries in this part of the body in alpine skiing and the back is already protected by a back protector, he said.
The world champion believes the suits themselves can be made to prevent certain injuries instead of relying on an airbag which could malfunction and lead to recriminations.
"Doing something for the safety of athletes is extremely important," Neureuther said. "But why don't we start with the racing suits?"
