In an announcement this week, it was confirmed that Bergamo-Schilpario in Italy will play host to the Junior & U23 Cross-Country World Championships in 2025.

Following a request by the Italian Winter Sports Federation (FISI – Federazione Italiana Sport Invernali), the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) has chosen to entrust the organization of this prestigious junior and U23 championships to the stunning Bergamo Valley.

A representative delegation from FISI Bergamo and the Schilpario Ski Club received the news from Flavio Roda, the Federal President. The President of the FISI Alpi Centrali Committee, Franco Zecchini, a strong advocate of the initiative, was also present during the announcement. Ilario Morandi, secretary of the Schilpario Ski Club, Andrea Giudici, president of the same association, Fausto Denti, president of FISI Bergamo, and Mauro De Nicola, vice president of FISI Bergamo, welcomed the news with boundless enthusiasm.

The races will be held on the renowned “Pista degli Abeti” in Schilpario, a venue that has previously hosted the Absolute Italian Championships and Coppa Italia races. As a testament to its suitability, the Opa Cup races and the Opa Games for young athletes will serve as test events in February 2024.

Come February 2025, athletes and coaches from 30 nations will converge upon Bergamo-Schilpario, bringing an entourage of 500 people. This exceptional event promises to showcase the very best of junior and U23 cross-country skiing on an international stage.

The candidacy for hosting the World Championships stemmed from the collaborative efforts of the FISI Bergamo Committee, in conjunction with eight local ski clubs actively engaged in the region. Schilpario was designated as the headquarters for this prestigious event, benefitting from the wealth of experience offered by the local ski club.

In a press release, Fausto Denti, President of FISI Bergamo, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “For Bergamo, this event will provide significant visibility for our local skiing community and beyond. Our ski clubs’ organizational skills and extensive experience in hosting international-level events have been rightfully acknowledged.”

Andrea Giudici, President of the Schilpario Ski Club, echoed the sentiments of his fellow organizers, saying, “Schilpario has long awaited an event of this magnitude. Finally, we have brought it home, which is a tremendous honor for our club and the entire valley. For 15 days, we will witness high-level competitions that will captivate audiences worldwide.”

With Bergamo-Schilpario set to stage the Junior & U23 Cross-Country World Championships in 2025, anticipation is building for an unforgettable celebration of young talent and sporting achievements.

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