Less than 100 days remain until the first cross-border race in the history of the Alpine Skiing World Cup: the “Matterhorn Cervino Speed Opening”.
On 29th – 30th October and 5th – 6th November 2022, Alpine skiers will be able to compete for the first time in the speed season opener in Zermatt/Cervinia. In addition to the novelty of the two nations, the organisers want to set themselves apart with several additional innovations.
A new feature for visitors is that at the finish, almost two thirds of the run will be visible, as well as the border crossing. The first part of the race, from the start between the mountain stations of the two Rosa Plateau teleskis to the Italian border, can be seen from the ski run. In addition, at Testa Grigia, a public viewing area is provided. On the Italian side, the races can be followed from the finish area.
“Gran Becca” takes shape
The names of the key sites of the “Gran Becca” have been revealed. They reflect the nature and the landscape. The three jumps are called “Matterhorn”, “Furggen” and “Cime Bianche”.
Other key locations are “Sérac Traverse” towards the border, “Muro Ventina”, “Spalla di Rollin” and “Plateau Rosa Schuss”.
A new feature awaits the athletes participating in the “Matterhorn Cervino Speed Opening” at the start.
For the first time in the history of the Alpine Skiing World Cup, a start hut with a photovoltaic system is being built. It consists of a light-weight, petroleum-free pneumatic casing. The start hut can be assembled or dismantled in just a few hours and is only used temporarily.
Meeting the logistical challenges
Since the race route and especially the finish area are, unlike most other races on the World Cup calendar, more than 1,000 metres above the villages of Zermatt and Cervinia, the organisers’ logistical skills must be perfect. In order not to give any of the event’s destinations an advantage, it was decided that the men’s teams would sleep in Zermatt and the women’s teams in Cervinia.
The drawing of the race numbers and the distribution of the prizes will take place on Friday and Saturday evenings in Zermatt and Cervinia respectively.
On the first weekend, everything will take place in Zermatt, with live broadcasting in Cervinia, and on the second weekend, it will be the opposite.
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Release courtesy of Swissski
