November 14, 2008 (Gällivare, SWE) – The Viessmann FIS Cross-Country World Cup presented by Rauch will kick off as planned on November 22-23 in Gällivare (SWE). On November 14, the Technical Delegate and Chief of Competition in Gällivare, Sweden, Lars Gunnar Pettersson gave the green light for the events.

“We are ready for the World Cup . We have cold temperatures around – 10 C (14 F) and it will stay cold also over the next week. Already a 2.5km course is prepared but we continue to produce snow to prepare a 5km loop. We are looking forward to a great World Cup opening in Gällivare next week!”

Gällivare, situated about 70km north of the Arctic Circle, right in the middle of Swedish Lapland, will host the FIS Cross-Country World Cup for the fourth time and is also the home town of Charlotte Kalla, winner of the 2nd FIS Tour de Ski last season. A total of 24 nations will take part in the World Cup opening which features interval start competitions over 10km and 15km in the free technique on Saturday, November 22 and relay races on Sunday, November 23.

More information visit www.worldcupgellivare.com

Saturday, November 22
– Distance free technique 10 km ladies 11:00h
– Distance free technique 15 km men 12:30h

Sunday, November 23
– Relay 4 x 5 km ladies 10:30h
– Relay 4 x 10 km men 12:00h