The local organizing club for the first cross-country Word Cup of the season, Kuusamon Erä-Veikot, announced on it’s website rukanordic.com the show will go on as planned with no fans.
As sure as the sun rises Nov. 27 on 9:36 AM and sets at 2:05 PM in Kuusamo, the classic sprint will kick off the 2020-2021 cross-country World Cup.
Ruka plans to host a three day series of cross-country races from Nov. 27-Nov. 29 : a classic sprint, a 10 k/15 k individual classic, and concluding with a 10 k/15 k skate pursuit. Although the organizing committee still seeks volunteers, no tickets will be sold.
The no fan policy is to reduce the potential spread of Covid-19 and to keep athletes, team staff, and volunteers as safe as possible.
According to an official statement, the decision was made after consulting with the Finnish Ski Association and the International Ski Federation (FIS). However, organizers make clear that it still awaits “final confirmation” from FIS.
