November 30th, 2007 — The Viessmann FIS Tour de Ski will consist of eight races in ten days as planned. Contrary to the original schedule, however, there will be no races in Oberstdorf (GER) on January 1-2, 2008. The International Ski Federation (FIS) is currently in detailed discussions with several venues interested in taking over the fourth and fifth Stages of the FIS Tour de Ski 2007/08.
Following lengthy discussions with the German Ski Association (DSV), FIS President Gian Franco Kasper finally made the decision to adapt the competition schedule for the Tour. This is because DSV did not agree to organize the two Tour Stages in Oberstdorf as planned, despite broadcasting guarantees from the main German TV channels. Earlier on, DSV had submitted a request to the FIS Council for a schedule change in Oberstdorf which was not accepted by the Council since the World Cup season had already begun.
“FIS put in a significant effort to find a solution to meet the needs of DSV and make the races in Oberstdorf possible. Unfortunately, DSV maintained its position that it would only carry out one Tour event on 2nd January. For the Tour as a competition series, it was not an option to skip the races on the 1st of January,†stated Jürg Capol, FIS Race Director Cross-Country.
The new Tour venue will be confirmed in the next few days.
Source: FIS
