IPC Releases 2011-2012 Nordic Skiing World Cup Schedule

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has released the final Biathlon and Cross-Country Skiing calendar for the 2011-2012 season.

More than 140 athletes from 15 different countries are expected to compete in four major World Cup events, including the World Cup Finals in Vuokatti, Finland.

The season begins with the first World Cup event from 6-18 December in Sjusjoen, Norway for both Biathlon and Cross-Country Skiing.

Then from 24-30 January, the USA will host the next World Cup event at the Telemark Ski Resort in Cable, Wisconsin, and it will be immediately followed by another event at Wirth Park in Minneapolis, Minnesota, from 31 January – 5 February.

The athletes will then travel to Vuokatti for the Finals, which will take place from 20 March – 1 April.

Russia, Ukraine and Germany will all head into the World Cup with targets on their backs after displaying stunning performances at the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Games.

Russia picked up 14 medals in Cross-Country and another 16 in Biathlon – including five golds. Ukraine won seven in Cross-Country and 10 in Biathlon, and Germany won three in Cross-Country and another five in Biathlon.

Next year’s World Cup will provide the first inclination of who to watch at the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games.

For more information on Paralympic Cross-Country Skiing and Biathlon, please visit www.ipc-nordicskiing.org.