Viessmann FIS Tour de Ski preparations in full force

In the past week, the main organizing team involved with the FIS Tour de Ski preparations visited the four Tour host venues Oberhof (GER), Prague (CZE), Toblach and Val di Fiemme (ITA). The 4th edition of the FIS Tour de Ski performance by Craft Sportswear will take place from 1st to 10th January 2010.

The site inspections started in Oberhof (GER), on the same day as the official opening of the first ski tunnel in Central Europe was held. The inspection group spent intense hours on the plans for the long Tour de Ski and Nordic Combined weekend which will commence with a team presentation in downtown Oberhof on 31st December 2009.

In Prague, the organizing team presented the new course at the venue on the former world expo grounds at Výstaviště Praha. Moving on to Toblach, the newcomer among the host cities, the Tour schedule foresees for the first time a race with start and finish in different locations. On 6th January 2010, the male athletes will race from Cortina to Toblach while the ladies will start towards the stadium in Toblach with a view of the famous Drei Zinnen (“Three Peaks”, or three distinctive battlement-like peaks). In the stadium, a functional building is under construction under the race course. In Val di Fiemme, the focus of discussions was on logistical aspects, fan entertainment and ensuring high quality TV coverage by building upon the exciting races seen last season.

“I’m very satisfied with the progress for the Tour. Our new partner Toblach promises to increase the event’s value and complements our experienced hosts in Oberhof, Prague and Val di Fiemme. Our main focus for the 4th edition is to refine the logistics to make it easier for all team members and to attract even more spectators on site and in front of TV,” stated Jürg Capol, FIS Race Director Cross-Country.