From 14th to 16th January 2022, the FIS Cross-Country World Cup family returns to France. Les Rousses in the Haut-Jura region at the French-Swiss boarder is awaiting the world elite of Cross-Country skiing for a three day event. With a Sprint, individual 10km and 15km as well as Pursuit, a full programme awaits just three weeks before the start of the Winter Olympic Games in Beijing (CHN).

Four months before the nordic station of Les Rousses awaits (hopefully) a cheering crowd of spectators along the race course, the FIS Cross-Country World Cup team met up for the summer inspection. Along with the local organizers, representatives of the French Ski Federation as well as a team by the TV rightsholder Infront, all existing settings were visited and discussed.

The courses around the “Stade Nordique des Tuffes” have seen impressive adaptions in the recent years. Established as the regions top nordic training center, the basic installations to host a large World Cup event are given. The athletes await a diverse and challenging race course for Sprint as well as the individual and Pursuit competitions. With previous experience in hosting international events – most recently the Nordic Combined and Ski Jumping events at YOG 2020 – the team around venue manager Nicolas Michaud are prepared. As for the entire World Cup family, keeping an eye on the development and restrictions of the pandemic has become a pivotal part in organizing events. Nevertheless, hopes are high to be able to host the event with a number of spectators. Given the fact that the region’s identity is based in Nordic sports, Les Rousses would promise to become one of the greatest spectator events in central Europe.