December 28, 2010 – Vincent Vittoz, French World Champion in the 30km Pursuit back in 2005 in Oberstdorf, Germany, is soon returning to World Cup action following an injury in Gällivare, Sweden in November and will race at the Tour de Ski. Vittoz was sidelined for six weeks due to an injury to his left thigh abductor. In December doctors allowed him to ski again but the French ace had to skip the World Cup at home in La Clusaz around mid December.

On Friday, Dec. 31 Vittoz will jump back into the racing trails for the Tour de Ski Prologue in Oberhof. “With my injury, it’s difficult to have high ambition at the Tour also knowing that I have not had big success there either,” writes Vittoz on his blog. At last year’s TdS Vittoz finished 18th at 6:15 min behind winner Lukas Bauer (CZE). “I will take the Tour day by day and hope to have a good racing feeling,” says Vincent about his expectations before the Tour kicks off this Friday.

Vittoz is stronger in free technique and the injury he suffered should not affect his skating skills. “I remain confident in my skating, but I’ve missed intensity training in my classic technique,” added Vittoz commenting on his condition.

Despite being realistic about his chances the French star can’t wait to be back in racing. “I am happy to jump back into racing. I will start in Tour de Ski with big motivation.”