November 24, 2009 (Livigno, Italy) – On December 13 “La Sgambeda”, the cross-country ski marathon in Livigno, Italy, opens the 2009 FIS Marathon Cup season. There are already 657 participants confirmed on the start list. Pro athletes as well as amateurs will compete in the 42km (marathon) or 21.5km (half-marathon) distance. In addition, a total of 317 have confirmed their participation in the first edition of the La Sgambeda Classic event, a successful start far above the organizer’s expectations.

Among the men elite national team members of Norway, Sweden, Estonia, Russia and Italy, are Jerry Ahrlin (2nd place FIS Marathon Cup 2008/2009), Oskar Svard (2nd place Vasaloppet 2009), Ivanov Alexei (1st place La Transjurasienne 2009), Thomas Alsgaard, Audun Laugaland, Andrè Haugsbo, Olav Utistog Svein, Ander Myrland, Thomas Henriksen.

From the Italian team – Marco Cattaneo, winner of FIS Marathon Cup 2008/09, Fabio Santus, Bonaldi Sergio (C.S. Esercito) and Bruno Carrara. Among the women team members, Jenny Hansson (1° FIS Marathon Cup 2008/2009) and Sandra Hansson (SWE) and Tatjana Mannima (EST).

There will be an anniversary celebration of the 20th edition of La Sgambeda, on Friday, December 11, 2009. Registration is still open until December 8 – late registrations are possible, with an extra charge. Registration and all information can be found here.