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34. DOLOMITENLAUF PRESS RELEASE
34th Dolomitenlauf: traditional cross-country ski marathon
The Dolomitenlauf in Lienz ranks alongside the Marcialonga in Italy and the Vasalauf in Sweden as one of the most important cross-country ski events in the world. The East Tyrol cross-country ski marathon has been a part of Worldloppet ever since the founding of the influential global ski federation. The City-Cross Sprint in downtown Lienz has given the top international athletes a new impulse for adventure and enriched the sport with images of speed and drama.
On 20 January, several thousand cross-country skiers will, once again, compete along breathtaking alpine trails in the heart of the Lienz Dolomites. Participants will race free style along a much-improved route in 2008. New events will include the 42 km “Dolomite Classic“ in Obertilliach in the Hochpustertal Valley district. Obertilliach is also the home of East Tyrol’s nordic ski centre, which is run by the biathlon specialist and five-time Olympic gold medallist Ole Einar Björndalen. Björndalen has grown to appreciate the region’s excellent conditions and the snow guarantee Obertilliach offers. Many Nordic teams set up training camps here for the same reason.
| | The ambience of the Dolomitenlauf has always proved a great attraction for visitors. The opening ceremony, the lighting of the traditional Dolomitenlauf flame in the main square, the sprint event, the romantic race in Lavant and the new 2.5 km “Bambini Marathon“ for juniors promise an exciting sporting adventure in East Tyrol.
34th Dolomitenlauf
18 – 20 January 2008
18 January: Dolomite Sprint in Lienz/Hauptplatz
19 January: Dolomite Classic in Obertilliach
20 January: 60 km Dolomitenlauf in Lienz
www.dolomitensport-lienz.com
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34th DOLOMITENLAUF in Lienz:
Every participant is a winner.
It all began in 1970 when 48 cross-country skiers gathered at the foot of the romantic Lienz Dolomites for the first classic style 60 km Dolomitenlauf race. Three years later there were already 1,000 participants lined up at the start and by 1979 the course became part of the Worldloppet Ski Federation series, ensuring the success of the famous race. The Dolomitenlauf is a founding member of Worldloppet, which hosts 14 races a year, with one event per country. There are approximately150,000 participants from countries such as Finland, Austria, Italy and Japan.
On 20th January 2008 competitors can expect to encounter several exciting features along the 60 km free style route. Two new bridges over the River Drau guarantee a comfortable race without having to cross the main road. The Dolomitenlauf villages not only provide food and drink for the athletes – brass bands along the side of the route ensure every participant will be duely inspired. The participation of the world’s top cross-country skiers guarantees a scintillating race. In 2008, the elite althetes will be competing for the first FIS marathon points.
| | The classic cross-country event has also received a fresh boost. Since the transfer of the 42 km Dolomite Classic to Obertilliach, the organisers have succeeded in having this event recognised in the Worldloppet ratings for long distance races. In doing so, they have allowed the Dolomitenlauf to also provide classic cross-country skiers with the desired stamp in their Worldloppet passport.
The 34th Dolomitenlauf will also host the first “Bambini Marathon“ on Saturday, 19 January in the Dolomitenlauf village, Nikolsdorf. In addition, the region is expected to provide a warm welcome to cross-country skiers from around the globe arriving to participate in the Romantic Race in Lavant on Thursday, 17 January. And there will be lots of excitement guaranteed during the Dolomite Sprint in downtown Lienz when the elite sprinters race over bridges and around tight curves.
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