”The conditions here are unpredictable. Sometimes it rains heavily and the next day can be really cold.”

Year ago the weather in Ruka was different than this year. The competitions were kept in heavy snowfall. This time the forecast predicts wet conditions with the threat of rain. Founding the right wax and right kind of skies tests Fousek’s and his colleagues’ skills. Team Czech Republic doesn't have any new waxes in store for this season, or at least they are not revealing them.

”We’re going with the traditional waxes”, says Fousek.

Waxing the skis is like a highly developed form of science. Teams hide their jars of wax from each other like government secrets. Each country has their own service facilities where members of other teams aren't allowed.

Norwegian and Swedish skiers conquered the top positions at the opening weekend of the FIS World Cup in Beitostoelen, but Fousek doesn't believe they have any new ”wonderwaxes”.

”They are just really good athletes.”

Touring the FIS World Cup is a tough job. Competitions are held all over the world. The athletes are always travelling and the equipment team follows them wherever they go. Fousek says he's away from home almost half of the year, from November to March. And it isn't always very nice.

”I have two young children at home and they miss their father very much.”

Text: Jarmo Keskevaari
Photos: Pena Rekiranta

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