November 20, 2015 – Since the 1999/2000 season, the Worldloppet Ski Federation in co-operation with the International Ski Federation has chosen around 10 races out of the 20 Worldloppet stages every season to form the FIS Marathon Cup, an official world cup of long distance skiing.

During this year’s Annual General Meeting of Worldloppet in June, it was decided by the General Secretary and all the 20 members to rename the FIS Marathon Cup to FIS WORLDLOPPET CUP. This new name is yet another symbol of the close cooperation and outstanding collaboration between Worldloppet and FIS.

Last week, the FIS Council approved the change of the name during their meeting in Germany, and since that day, the FIS WORLDOPPET CUP 2016 officially exists. The Worldloppet races themselves are responsible for an adequate organization, providing the monetary rewards and covering accommodation costs. Numerous other duties are also carried out by Worldloppet, hence the time to include Worldloppet in the name of the cup has come.

“Now Worldloppet is clearly visible in the name of the Cup. We are thankful that the FIS honoured our request of name changing,” commented WL General Secretary, Angelo Corradini.

Yet not only the name is new, also the opening stage has changed: This year, the French La Foulée Blanche will be part of the cup circuit for the first time. As one of two non-WL-races (Ugra Skimarathon), it will open the FIS WORLDLOPPET CUP on January the 17th.

Find here the Press Kit of La Foulée Blanche!

A 31,300 Euro prize will be provided by Worldloppet for the overall ranking, and many of the world’s best marathon skiers already confirmed their attendance i.e. for example Team Gel Interim Rossignol.