Very little time is left until the start of the World Cup cross-country skiing masters in Syktyvkar. The first race will begin on March 14. All current information about the World Cup can be found on this web site.

All is ready for the competition – starting from the slopes and to the awarding attributes, Nikolay Gordeev, the director of the Center of sports training and the team of Komi, says.

The wear for judges is designed especially for the MWC. As well as the participants body numbers (bibs). The bibs are of different colours for each age group: 12 age groups in women’s and men’s standings.

“Special souvenirs are also prepared for the competitors. Some souvenirs they will receive right after registration, packed in bags with symbols of MWC. On the ceremony we will also give Komi Republic national authentic souvenirs. They are all hand-made by Syktyvkar and other Komi municipalities craftsmen. Total 468 gifts are prepared” – said Nikolay Gordeev.

Free buses with MWC symbols will run from city to Smetanina ski complex. Entrance to the competition area will be also pay-free. Spectators and fans will be able to be located on the stands at the stadium and along the trails.

The trails have been prepared in accordance with World Masters Association recommendations – deputy director of “Center of sports training and the team of Komi” Igor Dumin said. On March 11 routes will be equipped with the final markup.

The longest track for the sports men will be 45 km (3 legs by 15 km). The shortest track – 5 km. Points of taking food by sportsmen will be situated on the stadium along the track.

«Athletes are already starting to come for training. For example, guests from Yakutia (Russia), are training for a month at the stadium. Today came skiers from Sakhalin (Russia). We are waiting for all other participants», – Igor Dumin added.