January 13, 2012 (Milan, Italy) – Milan is once again the capital of winter sports, sixteen years after the FIS World Cup of cross-country skiing was held at the Fiera Campionaria Trade Fair and the Vigorelli Velodrome in 1998.

This time the cross-country skiing action will take place in Parco Sempione. “The start and finish area is in front of the famous Castello Sforza, build before 1600. I could see some pictures from around 1950, many persons were skiing in the park,” explained FIS Cross-Country Race Director Jürg Capol.

The course is 650m long and is mostly flat. “The course is rather flat with long curves, even we are in the city, there are several spots to overtake others. But as we know from city races in the past, it’s rather tight and hot, I’m sure, we have close fights. I would estimate the running time for men will be around 2:20-2:30 and for ladies 2:45,” added Capol.

Emil Joensson (SWE) got a cold and has to skip the sprint in Milano. Most of the Tour de Ski racers are staying home and resting while Kikkan Randall (USA) and Alexey Petukhov (RUS) want to defend their red leader jerseys as the sprint World Cup leaders.

Norway’s sprint specialist Oeystein Pettersen has been coping with an injury but is in Milano ready to compete. “I had a broken thumb but I am not limited in racing and will tackle the challenge here in Milano. In the last skating sprints I did not make it to the quarterfinal so I hope now I make it this time better,” Pettersen told FIS XC.

Starting times (CET):

Saturday, 14th January
– Sprint free technique Qualification 12.00h
– Sprint free technique Finales 14.45h

Sunday, 15th January
– Team Sprint free technique Qualification 09.45h
– Team Sprint free technique Finales 12.00h

More information HERE.