November 14, 2013 (Syktyvkar, Russia) – During the General Assembly of the Masters Cross-Country Ski Association (WMA) in Russia’s Syktyvkar, delegates from more than 20 nations had a full agenda. The gathering, which took place from 2nd-6th October 2013, featured an on-site inspection of Syktyvkar, host of the next Masters World Cup in 2015.

During the General Assembly, the Organising Committee of the Masters World Cup 2014 in Pillerseetal, Austria, provided an update about the current status of preparations. Following Seefeld and Mariazell it will be the third time for Austria to host the Masters World Cup.

Mayor Ivan Pozdeyev welcomes the WMA delegation © courtesy of FIS

Besides seeing the progress of the 2014 and 2015 hosts, the participants also elected the host city of the 2016 Masters World Cup. In the vote between two applicants from Finland, Vuokatti won by a small majority against Rovaniemi.

President Thomas Heckmann announced candidatures from both France (La Feclaz) and Switzerland (Klosters) for 2017 and the intention of the United States (Minneapolis) to bid for 2018.

Whilst Slovenia joined the WMA as a new member, the General Assembly elected the new WMA Council with Thomas Heckmann being confirmed in his capacity as President for another four-year-term. Klaus Pleyer (SUI) and Maia Tchernenkaia (RUS) were confirmed in their roles of Vice Presidents while Georg Wörter (AUT) was newly elected as Vice President. In addition, Elisabeth Heckmann (SUI) will serve as treasurer for another two years.

WMA also expressed its special thanks to the Organisers of Syktyvkar for an exceptional event organisation and outstanding hospitality.