Para Cross-Country stars shine in Val di Fiemme test events for Milano Cortina 2026
Feb 03, 2025·Para Cross-Country
The FIS Para Cross-Country World Cup made a highly anticipated stop in Val di Fiemme (ITA) from 1–2 February, serving as the official test event for the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games. Over two days of thrilling competition, the world’s best Para Cross-Country skiers tackled the same courses that will host the Paralympic events in just over two years.
Sprint spectacle sets the stage
The competition kicked off on 1 February with the sprint races, where speed and tactical execution were key. Held at the Lago di Tesero Cross-Country Stadium, the races delivered high-intensity action, with victories spread across six different nations: Brazil, China, Germany, Norway, the United States, and Austria.
In the men’s Sitting category, Brazil’s Cristian Westemaier Ribera edged out China’s Mengtao Liu in a spectacular finish, while local favourite Giuseppe Romele secured third place. "I absolutely didn’t expect this. During qualification, I was feeling good, even though I already mentioned that I have this shoulder issue. In the semifinal, I realized that my equipment was performing really well, and I was impressed by how the skis worked, especially in the final. Also, finishing ahead of athletes who usually leave me far behind in a sprint, which isn’t my specialty, is an incredible feeling—truly unique,” explained Romele.
On the women’s side, China’s Yuxin Zhai staged a strong comeback to claim victory over Germany’s Anja Wicker, with Kendall Gretsch (USA) rounding out the podium. "I'm really happy with this victory! I didn't expect it because the snow was tricky to interpret, but I'm very happy and can't wait to compete again tomorrow,” said Zhai.
The Standing Sprint saw dominant performances from Germany and Norway. Sebastian Marburger (GER) took the lead ahead of Karl Tabouret (FRA) and Yoshihiro Nitta (JPN), while Norway’s Vilde Nilsen stormed to victory in the women’s race, finishing ahead of Ukraine’s Oleksandra Kononova and China’s Zhiqing Zhao. A long awaited sprint’s podium for Kononova: “[…] this is the first time in nine years that I’ve reached the podium in a sprint!”
In the Vision Impaired category, Austria’s Carina Edlinger delivered a perfectly executed race to secure the victory, followed by Germany’s Leonie Maria Walter and China’s Yue Wang. The men’s race saw a dramatic turn of events—Sweden’s Zebastian Modin was poised for victory but fell just meters from the finish, allowing Jake Adicoff (USA) to seize the win. Norway’s Thomas Oxaal claimed second place, with Modin managing to hold on for third.
“These test events have been going well. We have already tested the structures, shooting range, and tracks for biathlon, and now we are continuing along the same path with cross-country skiing. It’s a pleasure to work with the local organizing committee Nordic Ski Val di Fiemme, which has shown great attention to FISIP and our activities. The organization of the Paralympic Games continues alongside Fondazione,” said Paolo Tavian, President of FISIP, regarding the Test Event setup, which has been led by Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026 in collaboration with the local organizing committee and its dedicated volunteers.
10km interval start concludes an exciting test event
A sunny day and top-level performances marked the conclusion of the Val di Fiemme World Cup stage. The 10 km individual classic race crowned Kendall Gretsch (USA) and Zhongwu Mao (CHN) as winners in the Sitting category, Vilde Nilsen (NOR) and Witold Skupien (POL) in the Standing category, and Simona Bubenickova (CZE) and Jake Adicoff (USA) in the Vision Impaired category.
In the men’s Sitting event, Zhongwu Mao (CHN) outpaced Brazil’s Cristian Westemaier Ribera and Italy’s ever-competitive Giuseppe Romele. The women’s Sitting category saw Kendall Gretsch (USA) take the top step, followed by an impressive Aline Dos Santos Rocha (BRA) and China’s Shiyu Wang. Germany’s Anja Wicker, who finished second in the sprint, withdrew from the race. “I really enjoyed this race—the snow conditions were perfect. I liked every part of the course, from the gliding sections to the more technical ones. I think I managed my effort very well, and I'm satisfied with the result,” said Gretsch.
In the Standing category, Vilde Nilsen (NOR) continued her dominance, while Ukraine’s Oleksandra Kononova and Bohdana Konashuk claimed second and third, respectively. The men’s event saw a resurgent Witold Skupien (POL) claim victory, finishing ahead of Japan’s Taiki Kawayoke and Germany’s Sebastian Marburger.
The Vision Impaired category featured a strong win by Simona Bubenickova (CZE), with Leonie Maria Walter (GER) and Yue Wang (CHN) completing the women’s podium. Austria’s Carina Edlinger was forced to withdraw after a fall in the third lap while in podium contention. On the men’s side, Jake Adicoff (USA) secured the win ahead of China’s Shuang Yu and Sweden’s Zebastian Modin. “I'm really happy—this race suits me, and this distance is a great fit for me. I'm very satisfied with the level of my skiing today,” analyzed Adicoff.
With just over two years to go, the countdown is officially on for the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games. Val di Fiemme will host the first Para Cross-Country and Para Biathlon competitions starting on 7 March 2026. Meanwhile, the world’s top Para Cross-Country skiers are staying in Italy to prepare for the World Championships in Toblach, scheduled for 12–14 February.
