The upcoming World Cup races in La Clusaz, France on December 15-16 might be moved to Geilo, Norway. Read why here.
The schedule calls for 15/30-kilometer freestyle mass-start on Saturday December 15 and relay on Sunday 16 in La Clusaz, France. But lack of snow all over Central Europe makes it impossible to organize races there at this point.
See live webcam from La Clusaz http://www.laclusaz.com/index.jsp?c=10301
Geilo IL ski club in Norway has been asked if they can take over the races if it needs to be moved. The club has answered that they would be interested and able to do it.
– That’s a challenge we’ll take. It’s a big challenge to organize a World Cup race on this short notice, but I’m convinced that we can do it, says Jan Arne Øen of Geilo ski club.
He wants to thank local businesses for being able to say yes to the request. They were dependent upon positive response regarding housing and support from the county.
– The response from hotels/motels and the country were incredibly good. We have enough rooms and the county will support with labor and guaranties.
Øen estimates that there will be 10 hours live television from Geilo, and it’s impossible to put an exact value on that, but says it’s huge.
– This can be enormous marketing for Geilo, says Oen.
It’s Geilo’s snow guarranty that has tempted FIS to look toward Norway and Geilo as alternative organizer. Geilo recently invested millions (of kroner) in snow making around the entire course and Øen is promising great conditions if Geilo gets the December 15. – 17. races.
FIS is expected to make a decision early this week.
Source: Langrenn.com
