Next on the World Cup: Svenska Skidspelen in Falun

Wed, Feb  20, 2008 - By FIS and OC Falun

The traditional Svenska Skidspelen in Falun (SWE), a part of the Viessmann FIS Cross-Country World Cup, will be staged from 23rd to 24th February. Falun, situated 230 km in the north-east of Stockholm (SWE), is a very popular Cross-Country venue where 38 World Cup competitions have taken place since 1982. On Saturday, 23rd February, the Pursuit races for both genders are on the schedule whilst on Sunday the athletes will start in a team competition.

The so-called "Mördarbacken" (murder hill) is the biggest challenge for the more than 160 athletes from 23 nations on the courses in Falun. The Mördarbacken is a very tough uphill where a lot of spectators are standing to cheer on the athletes and push them onto the top.

"In Falun we have good conditions right now. Last week we had cold weather and could produce snow. We are ready for the upcoming weekend and look forward to welcoming the Cross-Country family", said Anki Haugen, Secretary General of the Organizing Committee in Falun.

Beside the sports program, Falun provides perfect entertainment for the spectators. The weekend competitions will be opened by a fabulous helicopter show. On Friday evening the Svenska Skidspelen will be opened by a ceremony in Falun downtown. The OC has organized dancers and bands to create a great atmosphere in the competition venue.

More information: http://www.skidspelen.se

Starting times:

Saturday, 23rd February
Pursuit 7,5 km + 7,5 km ladies 12.00h*
Pursuit 15 km + 15 km men 14.00h*

Sunday, 24th February
Relay ladies (4 x 5 km) 12.00h*
Relay men (4 x 10 km) 14.00h*

*local time

Top three from last year's event (March 2007):

Pursuit ladies  
1. Marit Bjoergen (NOR)
2. Katerina Neumannova (CZE)
3. Therese Johaug (NOR)

Pursuit men
1. Tobias Angerer (GER)
2. Mathias Fredriksson (SWE)
3. Emmanuel Jonnier (FRA)

Relay ladies
1. Germany (Böhler, Bauer, Nystad, Sachenbacher-Stehle)
2. Finland (Muranen, Kuitunen, Roponen, Saarinen)
3. Sweden (Dahlberg, Ryquist, Norgren, Kalla)

Relay men
1. Norway (Pettersen, Hjelmeset, Estil, Northug)
2. Russia (Pankratov, Rotchev, Legkov, Vylegzhanin)
3. France (Perrillat, Gaillard, Vittoz, Jonnier)