The countdown clock for the 2017 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships presented by Stora Enso officially went under the one-year mark on Monday, the day after the successful conclusion of the FIS World Cup and pre-FIS Nordic World Ski Championships event, that saw an impressive 10 competitions staged over three action-packed days.
It was clear from the moment that the athletes, teams, media and fans arrived at the stadium in Lahti, that the 2016 pre-World Championships event would bring a lot of extra flare to the traditional World Cup Lahti Games. The look and feel, with the instantly recognisable purple logo and branding, adorned much of the stadium and fans were treated to an excellent fan village.
Athletes had the chance to check out the many improvements to the infrastructure, as the Ski Jumpers had their first taste of the newly constructed large hill, while the Cross Country skiers could test the new course tracks, including a stylish bridge that leads out of the stadium over the spectators and guest areas.
Media got their first glimpse at renovated media facilities and a new mixed zone layout which facilitated an easier flow for all participants.
“These pre-World Championships were a major milestone for us as an Organising Committee,” said Lahti 2017 CEO Janne Leksinen. “We had a chance to put many of our plans into action before the World Championships and get valuable feedback. It was also a good chance for the athletes to get comfortable with some aspects that will be new for the World Championships, such as the athlete’s village in Vierumaki.”
“Being here for the competitions this week, it is clear that Lahti 2017 is well on its way to staging excellent World Championships,” said FIS Secretary General. “The Lahti 2017 Organising Committee used this year’s FIS World Cup events to make the set-up as close to a World Championship experience as possible. The additional dimension which will make the event unique next year is the 100th anniversary of the independence of Finland that the World Championships are designated as the first official celebration.”
The 2017 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships will open on 22nd February 2017.
Source: fis-ski.com
