THE VALLEY GOMS IS IN CROSS COUNTRY SKIING WORLD CUP FEVER

The time has finally come: in just a few days, the international cross-country skiing elite will meet in Goms. At the Coop FIS Cross-Country World Cup from 26 to 28 January, the perfect snow conditions and challenging courses in the Nordic Centre will ensure maximum excitement.

For the first time in over 20 years, the Cross-Country Skiing World Cup will return to Goms. The best cross-country skiers in the world, around 200 athletes from twenty nations, will compete in a total of 5 competitions. The programme includes the mixed relay on Friday, a skating sprint on Saturday and a mass start on Sunday, also in skating technique.

Preparations are in full swing: preparing the course, setting up the grandstands and the festival site are just three examples of the work to be done. "Without the great efforts of the many volunteers and the civil defence, none of this would be possible," says Chantal Carlen, President of the local organising committee. In total, the World Cup can count on the commitment of around 400 volunteers.

The weather also seems to be in favour of Goms: The snowy winter so far will allow fair competitions in a beautiful cross-country skiing paradise landscape. The weather for the weekend also promises to be excellent, which should attract many spectators.

Versatile accompanying programme

Swiss flagship Nadine Fähndrich, the best Swiss cross-country skier in history, is also expected to take part in the World Cup. "I'm really looking forward to the World Cup in Goms," she says. "Competitions in Switzerland are always something special. Family, friends and acquaintances will be there. I'm looking forward to sharing the emotions with them and hope that I can put on a good show." She likes the courses in Goms and thinks they suit her well.

The competitions will be rounded off by a varied supporting programme. The Nordic Village, located right next to the competition site, will provide entertainment throughout the entire World Cup weekend, both during the day with culinary and craft stalls and in the evening in the party tent with bands and a DJ.

It is also an important goal for the organising committee of the Cross-Country World Cup to encourage local youngsters to achieve top performances at world level. To this end, all local school classes are invited to the

Nordic Centre on Friday so that they can discover the sport of cross-country skiing. In addition to a fun cross-country skiing lesson, a spaghetti party awaits them to replenish energy. There will also be a mini World Cup for the youngest on Saturday between the elite competitions.

Tickets for the World Cup can be purchased in advance online or at the box office; children up to the age of 16 are free.

Information on the competition times, the supporting programme, tickets and much more can be found here: www.weltcup-goms.ch

Contact for enquiries: medien@weltcup-goms.ch