August 31, 2011 – Last week, the main team involved with the FIS Tour de Ski preparations visited the four Tour host venues of Oberhof, Oberstdorf (both GER), Toblach and Val di Fiemme (both ITA). The 6th edition of the Viessmann FIS Tour de Ski performance by Craft Sportswear will take place from 29th December 2011 to 8th January 2012.

The site inspections began in Oberhof (GER) with intense discussion on the plans for enhanced activities for spectators and optimizing the schedule. As in the past two years, the Tour de Ski will kick off with a team presentation in the spa garden of Oberhof on 28th December.

In Oberstdorf, the organizing team presented new side events and logistical improvements. Moving to Toblach, the Tour schedule foresees three races at the venue for the first time, including a short interval start, a sprint and the long distance race from Cortina to Toblach. In Val di Fiemme, the discussions centered on organisational aspects, fan entertainment and ensuring high quality TV coverage by building upon the exciting races last season. The inspection group could inspect the new stadium building which will be finished by the end of October, two months ahead of the original schedule.

“We’re very satisfied with the progress for the Tour de Ski, now in its sixth edition. For the first time, we will have nine races in the Tour program,” stated Jürg Capol, FIS Race Director Cross-Country. “During the summer we have been working on refining the Tour rules and adapting the logistics to make it even easier for the team members. Our goal is to attract even more spectators both on site and in front of TV.”

For more information click HERE.