It’s official: On January 15, the International Ski Federation (FIS), Quebec Winter Events Corporation and Cross Country Canada confirmed that Quebec City would be stepping up to host the FIS Cross-Country World Cup Finals this coming March 17–19. “Thanks to some extraordinary teamwork with our partners, we were able to confirm the event within such a short time frame, with barely two months to spare before the start of competition,” explained Patrice Drouin, President of event organizer Gestev. “When we hosted the Sprint Quebec World Cup in 2012 and Ski Tour Canada in March last year, we showed the whole world what a fabulous destination Quebec City is for first-class cross-country events like these.” According to FIS Race Director Pierre Mignerey, Quebec City was the perfect place to pick up the finals. “We are very pleased that Quebec City has agreed to carry the torch,” he said. “With cross-country courses right in the heart of the city and spectators showing up in large numbers, this is a welcome return to North America to wrap up the season in style.”
It’s a matter of pride for Cross Country Ski De Fond Canada to see the world’s elite cross-country skiers back on the Nordic trails in Canada. “Organizing major world-class events like this at home is a huge boost when it comes to promoting the sport all across Canada. Not only will our own elite athletes have the home advantage, the event will offer valuable World Cup experiences that might otherwise have been out of reach for our next generation of Olympic heroes,” said Shane Pearsall, CEO of Cross Country Ski De Fond Canada. “We are proud of our track record of presenting world-class events with the backing of our partners, and we are over the moon to be working with Gestev to organize these World Cup Finals that promise to be memorable for every one of the nations taking part.”
When the Russian city of Tyumen pulled out of hosting the World Cup Finals, the International Ski Federation (FIS) approached Quebec City to take over the event as a matter of priority.
