First Ever FIS Night Speed Ski Race Takes Place In Finland - GB's Jan Farrell Takes 4th Spot

For the first time in history, the fastest non-motorised sport on the planet holds a FIS night race in the Finnish resort of Salla – Great Britain’s Jan Farrell finished in 4th place with a speed of 155,776 kilometres per hour.

• Jan Farrell achieves his best result in the last 3 seasons in the night challenge on February 12, 2020
• Victories for Simone Origone and Britta Backland in Finnish resort of Salla
• The first night competition provides spectacular images in Salla’s unique environment

One of the fastest speed skiing tracks on the planet – Salla, with space age style suits and aerodynamic helmets on display and skis designed to exceed 250 kilometres per hour. The fastest men and women in the world’s fastest non-motorised sport added even further excitement as they raced at high speed through the Arctic night.

Jan Farrell said: “Psychologically it has been less difficult than I thought. Although we faced the unknown, visibility was good and I was able to get a good performance. Competing for the first time at night and on a track like Salla, has forced us to use ourselves to the fullest in every metre of the track and I am very happy to be among the 4 best in the world in this historical race. This experience has been a highlight for me, mainly because of how beautiful the night landscape looked, all illuminated with powerful spotlights; it was magical out there”.

The race saw Italy’s Simone Origone (158.77 kilometres per hour) winning the men's category, while in women's race, Sweden’s Britta Backland (155.51 kilometres per hour) took the first prize.

The competition itself was influenced heavily by the challenges presented by the night-time conditions: far less visibility despite the spotlights, the decrease in thermal sensation and a colder and harder track, which make it harder for the racers to adapt to the track irregularities.

Today (Thursday February 13, 2020) the Speed ​​Ski World Cup will resume on the same Finnish track, but this time it will return to its usual daytime schedule, and the fastest men and women on the snow will continue fighting to win the precious Crystal Globe at the end of the season.

Full 2020 calendar:
 
Vars, France – 2 x World Cup races, 31 January - 2 February (Completed)
Salla, Finland – FIS night race and 2 x World Cup races, 11-14 February
Idre Fjäll, Sweden – 2 x World Cup races, 5-7 March
Formigal, Spain – FIS Race and 1 x World Cup race, 13-15 March
Vars, France – World Record Attempt, approximate date: 17-30 March
Grandvalira, Andorra – 2 x World Cup, 2-4 April
Andermatt, Switzerland – 1 x FIS race, 24-26 April