The technological tension of the equipment that has engulfed the elite curling scene in recent weeks should be suspended from the Brier du Montana.
The 18 teams on the field have decided that they will not use new firmer foams in their Broomheads, even if the products have been approved and as part of the world curling rules leading to the national games.
Many best players fear that the new “black foam” will give too much control of the sweepers of a delivered stone.
The brier starting on Friday evening in Prospera Place, the subject was an unwelcome distraction for athletes before one of the biggest events on the curling calendar.
“We have all realized that it would really be an imperfection for the brier if we bring these things there and that you put them in the hands of some of the best sweepers in the world,” said Brad Jacobs, who will jump one of the two entries in Alberta.
The 2014 Olympic champion has been quite vocal on social networks in recent days, calling the World Curling, based in Scotland, in a series of messages on the X platform, formerly known as Twitter.
“The whole male domain has collaborated to protect the integrity of the event as best as we can prevent this equipment from entering the field of the game – a victory for all of us!
He labeled the world director of sport, formerly known as the global curling federation, in a follow -up article.
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“However, the problem of equipment persists and it is not (explanive) acceptable WCF. Athletes at the highest level are deeply concerned – we must solve this problem as soon as possible! »»
The defending champion Brad Gushue of Newfoundland and Labrador, who won Olympic gold in 2006, did not chop words when he asked him questions about the foam problem.
“I am disappointed and disgusted from the World Curling Federation so as not to manage this and have left it to the players,” he said. “I have been hard with them over the past two years and I think it deserves.
“I think there is a lack of leadership there that they did not take this and run with it.”
The Bigoudis of the Brier agreed to use white foam on their Broomheads, which is not as firm.
A new wrinkle in the foam scenario occurred on Friday morning when the global curling and equipment supplier Goldline Curling has agreed to suspend the approval of the “pursuing” foam of the competitive game.
In a statement, the Federation said that the product responded to specifications and had been approved, but that ice tests provided evidence that it “exceeds the limits” described in the declaration of world curling principles for competition equipment.
Four teams, including the gushue quartet, ended training when they heard the news.
“It is a typical world curling that does a half -seated job,” said Gushue. “To prohibit only the Goldline broom is only a negligence.”
Goldline, Hardline and Balanceplus are the main equipment suppliers for Curling Elite teams.
Like many skating rinks, the Gushue team has tested the new foam. St. John’s jump found the difference striking.
Gushue estimated that the black foam could give players 15 feet of additional portage, enough for a stone which would normally be a goalkeeper to be swept in the house. If a launcher played a blow, he said, the sweepers could make sure that the rock did not hit the target stone.
“I guarantee you that it would not be good for the game if these brooms are used because the shooting becomes too easy,” he said. “And then at the end of the match, the ice will deteriorate so much that it will be a show (poop).
“So it is not good for the match and it is simply regrettable that we, as anhletes, must control this at this stage.”
World Curling published a statement in mid-January when there have been tensions at WFG Masters in Guelph, have.
The Federation said it was monitoring the situation and recognized the need for a “full exam” for the scanning equipment specification.
When he was asked for comments on Jacobs’ call, a spokesperson said World Curling continues to keep “productive conversations” with Bigoudis on the brushing situation via his athlete commission.
“We are also actively encouraging our athletes to contact us through the athlete committee to continue sharing examples of their scanning tests. This allows us to collect more information and helps us to better understand radical performance. »»
Northern Ontario Sauter John Epping described the “dressing” brier solution, adding that he believes that the curriculum must be progressive before next season with Olympic trials and the Milan Games approaching.
“We are an Olympic level and there are a lot on the line,” said Epping. “For me, he looks a little Mickey Mouse right now.”
& Copy 2025 the Canadian press