February 02, 2017 (Quebec City, QC) – It’s official: On January 15, the International Ski Federation (FIS), Quebec Winter Events Corporation and Cross Country Canada confirmed that Quebec City would be stepping up to host the FIS Cross-Country World Cup Finals this coming March 17-19. “Thanks to some extraordinary teamwork with our partners, we were able to confirm the event within such a short time frame, with barely two months to spare before the start of competition,” explained Patrice Drouin, President of event organizer Gestev.

“When we hosted the Sprint Quebec World Cup in 2012 and Ski Tour Canada in March last year, we showed the whole world what a fabulous destination Quebec City is for first-class cross-country events like these.” According to FIS Race Director Pierre Mignerey, Quebec City was the perfect place to pick up the finals. “We are very pleased that Quebec City has agreed to carry the torch,” he said. “With cross-country courses right in the heart of the city and spectators showing up in large numbers, this is a welcome return to North America to wrap up the season in style.”

Entire courses located on the historic Plains of Abraham
Skiers will race in three disciplines over the long weekend of competition, starting with a Freestyle Sprint on Friday, March 17, followed by a 10/15k Classic Mass Start on Saturday, March 18 and culminating in a 10/15k Freestyle Pursuit on Sunday, March 19. Athletes can look forward to spectacular views of the St. Lawrence River from the clifftop course around Cap Diamant, with stretches alongside Old Quebec’s city walls and majestic Martello Tower and both start and finish lines on the historic Plains of Abraham.

Spectators are in for a treat too, almost a year to the day after the Quebec City leg of Ski Tour Canada 2016 showcased the city’s charms. The technical details of the event will be released in the next few weeks. For now, suffice it to say that more than 150 athletes from around 20 countries will be back in Quebec City for the event. “Here on the circuit, you can really feel how stoked the athletes are to be skiing in Quebec City again,” said local favourite Alex Harvey, who is having an exceptional season so far. “Everyone had such a fantastic experience last time, and for me it’s a real privilege to be wrapping up the season on home ground.”

It’s a matter of pride for Cross Country Ski De Fond Canada to see the world’s elite cross-country skiers back on the Nordic trails in Canada. “Organizing major world-class events like this at home is a huge boost when it comes to promoting the sport all across Canada. Not only will our own elite athletes have the home advantage, the event will offer valuable World Cup experiences that might otherwise have been out of reach for our next generation of Olympic heroes,” said Shane Pearsall, CEO of Cross Country Ski De Fond Canada.

“We are proud of our track record of presenting world-class events with the backing of our partners, and we are over the moon to be working with Gestev to organize these World Cup Finals that promise to be memorable for every one of the nations taking part,” he added.

When the Russian city of Tyumen pulled out of hosting the World Cup Finals, the International Ski Federation (FIS) approached Quebec City to take over the event as a matter of priority.

FIS Cross-Country World Cup Finals
March 17 – Freestyle Sprint
March 18 – 10/15k Classic Mass Start
March 19 – 10/15k Freestyle Pursuit