Season end FIS Cross-Country World Cup

This past Sunday, 22nd March 2020, the FIS Cross-Country World Cup had the final competition of the season 2019/20 scheduled. Canmore (CAN) was ready and set for the «grande finale» and the hand over of the prestigious World Cup crystal trophies.

Instead, the FIS Cross-Country family returned home already one week ago to ensure a safe journey back due to the uncertain worldwide development of the Covid-19 virus. It was the right decision considering the development and the circumstances we experience today.

The abrupt end of the season also meant cancellation for the events of three remaining World Cup venues. A fantastic set up awaited the athletes and teams as well as spectators along the World Cups in Québec (CAN), Minneapolis (USA) and Canmore (CAN). Our gratitude goes out to the organising committees, the staff and all the volunteers that surely would have made those events a great success. A big shout out also goes to all the fans and spectators who commented and messaged us throughout the past week. We appreciate your understanding and are looking forward to get back into «normal» racing mode.

As the final ceremonies were cancelled as well, the globe winners had no chance to receive their well deserved trophies yet. The globes were ready to be presented in Minneapolis (Sprint World Cup) and Canmore (Distance and Overall World Cup) – but now have to be sent to their new homes. How the hand over of the globes will happen, we will inform in due time.

Dear FIS Cross-Country family,

For now, all that is left is to recognize the amazing performances throughout the season. Not only by the World Cup winners but by all the FIS Cross-Country athletes and team members who put themselves on the race course.

You endured a frosty season start in Ruka (FIN), snow packed relay competitions in Lillehammer (NOR), you acclimatized to the altitude of Davos (SUI) and you went through hail and thunder in Planica (SLO).

You were cheered on by the crowds in Lenzerheide (SUI), you raced out of the old – and into the new year in Toblach (ITA), raced the 100st stage of the Tour de Ski and faced the prestigious one and only Alpe Cermis, the Final Climb in Val di Fiemme (ITA).

You brought Cross-Country skiing into the city of Dresden (GER) where we were able to share the courses for the first time ever with the Parasnowsports Nordic family.

You skied slong the scenic foresty landscape of Nove Mesto na Morave (CZE) and some of you younger ones joined the Youth Olympic Games in Lausanne (SUI).

You continued your World Cup journey in next years World Ski Championships venue of Oberstdorf (GER) and raced on the courses of Falun (SWE) – despite the difficult winter and snow conditions.

You tested new possible ways of organisation and were challenged on the courses during the Ski Tour 2020 where you travelled from Östersund (SWE) to Åre (SWE) onwards to Meråker (NOR) and Trondheim (NOR).

Some of you did not give yourselves a break and continued directly at the Junior World Ski Championships in Oberwiesenthal (GER). At the same time, the World Cup family continued to Lahti (FIN) where you celebrated together with your Nordic family from Ski Jumping and Nordic Combined. You accepted the short term change of the Sprint that was re-located from Drammen to Konnerud (NOR) and finally endured the kings and queens stage at the prestigious Holmenkollen 30km and 50km in Oslo (NOR).

Congratulations for the FIS Cross-Country World Cup season 2019/20 and THANK YOU for your passion for the sport – as an athlete, a coach, as wax tech, a team member, a journalist, a sponsor, a volunteer, a medical staff, an organiser, an industry member, a jury, a cameraman, a fore runner, a chief of course, a «chef de cuisine», a shuttle driver and all of you who dedicate their time and efforts to the events of the FIS Cross-Country World Cup.

We can’t wait to be back on the tracks!