Alpine Canada recalls athletes from Europe due to virus

CALGARY — Alpine Canada is recalling some of its nationalteam athletes from Europe because of the deteriorating COVID -19 pandemic situation there.

The organization did not identify which athletes were returning to Canada, nor would it confirm a CTV report that members of the Canadian ski cross team were ill with the virus.

“Respecting individual athletes’ and coaches’ right to medical privacy we will not comment on rumour or speculation regarding personal health matters,” Alpine Canada chief executive Thérèse Brisson said in a statement. “The health and well-being of our athletes and coaches comes first, always.”

Alpine Canada said the COVID-19 situation in Europe has changed training plans in anticipation of World Cup races and the world championships, including relocating some teams to Canadian venues.

“Alpine Canada continues to be guided by robust health and safety protocols, reflecting public health regulations and guidance,” it said.

The ski cross team has been training in Saas Fee, Switzerland, which is a popular preseason site for many countries including Canada because of its high-altitude glacier and vast ski terrain.

Cases of infection are rising in the Valais region where the resort is located, which has prompted a recent increase in gathering restrictions and business regulations.

“Valais is currently the canton in Switzerland most severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic,” the canton government said in a statement on its website.

The ski cross World Cup season is scheduled to open Dec. 3-5 in Val-Thorens, France.