February 14, 2008 – Continuing warm weather again severely disrupted the plans for the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships and U-23 Cross-Country Championships 2008. Originally scheduled in Szczyrk (POL) in early February and rescheduled there from February 21-28, 2008, they finally had to be cancelled due to lack of snow.

The Ski Jumping and Nordic Combined events have now been rescheduled in Zakopane (POL) from 25th February-1st March. At the same time, the Cross-Country events both for the junior and U-23 categories will be staged in Malles, Val Venosta (ITA).

Zakopane was able to step in as host for the Ski Jumping and Combined events immediately after it hosts the Warsteiner FIS World Cup Nordic Combined from 23rd-24th February. A many-time host of the legendary FIS World Cup Ski Jumping events, Zakopane can rely on a tried-and-tested team and proven facilities to welcome the juniors.

Good conditions also await the Cross-Country athletes in Malles Venosta (Mals), at the Cross-Country stadium of Schlinig, in the province of Bolzano, South-Tyrol, Italy, close to the Austrian and Swiss borders. “The decision to take over the event was only made on Monday so it is a great challenge for us to get ready in just 10 days. For example, we are still working on confirming the financing. But the good news is that we can offer excellent snow conditions and all team accommodation will be within a 15 km radius. The entire organizing committee is very motivated and looking forward to welcoming the young racers,” commented Alfred Lingg, chief of the Malles Venosta team. No newcomers to organizing sports events, Malles Venosta has previous hosted the Italian national championships on several occasions, and other major competitions such as the world championships and European championships in winter triathlon along with various summer events.

For the program in Malles, please click here.