St. Moritz is scheduled to hold the last ladies World Cup races prior to the Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver. It received green lights today for the events starting January 29 through 31. During this time, the spotlight of international competition skiing will be directed on the "home mountain" of St. Moritz.
For some female athletes the races in the birthplace of Alpine winter sport, will be the last chance to qualify for the Olympics in Vancouver. The race course was originally designed for the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships of 2003 as a combination of the legendary Corviglia and Engiadina runs. Apart from its challenging sections (White Drop/world's steepest Start and Cliff), the line follows the attractive men's track, albeit with slightly eased curves and jumps.
With a super combination on Friday, downhill racing on Saturday, and a super-G on Sunday, a compact program awaits. The two trainings will take place on Wednesday, January 27 and Thursday, January 28.
Together with Switzerland's skiing federation, Swiss Ski, St. Moritz will be bidding to host the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships of 2015, after losing the challenge against Schladming (AUT) of 2013. For the Engadiners this would be the fifth World Championships event after 1934, 1948, 1974 and 2003.
Sigi Asprion, President of the St. Moritz Organizing Committee, says of the program, "This is the second year that we will be holding three races. The super combination is particularly attractive for the spectators as the skiers compete in two entirely different disciplines within an extremely short time span." He also mentions that St. Moritz wants to take advantage of the upcoming World Cups and demonstrate the resort's ability to offer high quality ski racing to athletes, sponsors and spectators the like.
The spectators will have different opportunities to enjoy themselves before, during and after the events in the finish area. The Club-tent package for example includes shuttle transfer, stand-up lunch, drinks and a stand-up tribune place.
The bid draw and awards ceremonies will be held at Plazza Mauritius at the town center, to a lively backdrop of market stalls, culinary delicacies, shows and music.
