New multi-stage FIS World Championships

Tue, Jun  8, 2010 - By FIS

The 47th International Ski Congress in Antalya on Friday 4th June accepted unanimously the proposal from the Norwegian Ski Federation to carry out a new multi-stage FIS World Championship in Cross-Country Skiing every four year, where no FIS Nordic World Ski Championships or Olympic Winter Games are scheduled. The first edition will take place as soon as the organizational aspects, especially related to TV broadcasting, are clarified. The next possibilities would be in the years 2012 and / or 2016.

"This is an important milestone for Cross-Country. Every four years we have had a considerable decrease in the interest among press, TV and spectators. Cross-Country Skiing was losing interest to other sports and other events," said Vegard Ulvang, Chairman of the FIS Cross-Country Committee. "I am sure that a multi-stage World Championship will fill this gap in the interest which is also important for the economical aspect of our sport. The multi-stage events we have implemented during the season like the Tour de Ski and the World Cup Final showed us that the fans love them and the interest strongly increased year by year."

Race Director Jürg Capol added: "This new World Championship gives nations thar so far were not capable of organizing the full FIS Nordic World Ski Championships the chance to organize a Cross-Country Championship. I'm really satisfied with the decision of the FIS Congress."