January 09, 2019 (Quebec City, QC) – Over in Europe, the world’s top cross-country skiers have already made a flying start on the FIS World Cup season at the first four events in Ruka, Finland (November 24–25), Lillehammer, Norway (November 30–December 2), Beitostolen, Norway (December 8-9) and Davos, Switzerland (December 15-16). Meanwhile, over on this side of the Atlantic, organizers Quebec Winter Events Corporation and Gestev have been busy slotting the pieces into place to present the final stop on the World Cup tour at the Plains of Abraham in Quebec City this March 22–24, 2019.

Alex Harvey © Nordic Focus

“After taking a year off from hosting a world-class cross-country ski competition in Quebec City, we’re raring to go for the next big event here,” said Chantal Lachance, Vice-President of Production and Marketing for event producer Gestev. “The last time we hosted the World Cup in 2017, it was a feast for the eyes to see 60,000 people out on the Plains cheering the athletes on. We’re looking forward to generating the same kind of buzz this time too!”

One long weekend, six World Cup Finals
Cross-country fans will be thrilled to see international elite athletes competing in the women’s and men’s Freestyle Sprint, Classic Mass Start and Freestyle Pursuit World Cup Finals.

Friday, March 22, 2019 — Freestyle Sprint
10:50 a.m. 1.5K Freestyle Sprint Qualifications — Men and Women
1:20 p.m. 1.5K Freestyle Sprint Finals — Men
1.5K Freestyle Sprint Finals — Women
A race brought to you by Le Gruyère
(Starting order for the Classic Mass Start will be determined by the results of the Sprint)

Saturday, March 23, 2019 — Classic Mass Start
9:15 a.m. 10K Classic Mass Start — Women
11:00 a.m. 15K Classic Mass Start — Men
A race brought to you by Le Gruyère in collaboration with Cascades

Sunday, March 24, 2019 — Freestyle Pursuit
9:30 a.m. 10K Freestyle Pursuit — Women
10:45 a.m. 15K Freestyle Pursuit — Men
A race brought to you by Québecor
(Starting order for the Pursuit will be determined by the results of the Sprint and Mass Start)

Local superstar Alex Harvey has already confirmed he’ll be there at the start line. He’s so stoked to be competing in front of a home crowd again, he’s made a special video for his fans below. “I remember what a fantastic experience it was to race on the Plains in 2017,” Harvey said. “I can’t imagine a better way to wrap up my season than skiing on home snow.”

Cross-country for skiers of all ages and abilities

Taking place alongside the various World Cup events is the FIS Junior Invitational Rising Stars Race, which will pit the top junior skiers from across North America and Europe against each other on the very same course skied by the World Cup athletes. Talk about a unique opportunity for the next generation to train with their idols!

Members of the public can also try cross-country skiing for themselves. Instructors and equipment will be available at Place George-V all weekend to give kids and grown-ups free taster lessons!