Milan catwalk for the first cross-border event

Never before has anyone organised a cross-border race that starts in one country and finishes in another. The groundbreaking event promises a great spectacle and gives fans an appointment on the weekend of 11 and 12 November with two men's downhill races, to be repeated on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 with as many races of the women's circuit.

To ensure adequate preparation for the first speed races, the athletes were able to train all summer on the glacier above Breuil-Cervinia and Zermatt, taking advantage of exceptional conditions. From 21 October, a real training session will begin for all the speed skiers, who will be able to use three slopes and the Swiss part of the Gran Becca. The slope that will host the World Cup will also remain prepared for the athletes after the races.

The 'Gran Becca' slope, designed by Olympic downhill champion Didier Défago, is currently taking shape these days. The two-thirds of the slope that are on the glacier are already in excellent condition, while in the second part that leads towards the arrival area of Cime Bianche Laghi the snow deposits are ready. As soon as the temperatures drop, the stored snow will first be distributed and then the snowmaking system will be put into operation, while waiting for natural snowfall, which in normal situations is not lacking in this period and at these altitudes.

Straddling the Valle d'Aosta and the Canton of Valais, everything is proceeding according to the plans of the organising committee, which has been working since April and is now ready to put the last details in place for the successful realisation of this immense, yet complex project.

Breuil-Cervinia and Zermatt are now also defining the rich programme of side events to give ski fans two weekends of sport, entertainment and fun. Tickets for access to the tribune and the public area of Cime Bianche Laghi are on sale at speedopening.com.

Marco Mosso, Vice President of the Organising Committee: "We have learned from what happened last year and we are now ready in all areas. We are very confident about the current conditions, the situation is much better than last October. With the planning part over, it is now time to get into action and proceed with the final preparations. We are looking forward to seeing the images of Breuil-Cervinia and Zermatt around the world.”

Federico Maquignaz, President of Cervino Spa: "It is a great satisfaction to see this project, which was born out of a conversation between friends in Breuil-Cervinia, come to fruition. We are also pleased that our Swiss colleagues immediately accepted this beautiful and innovative challenge, because a sporting event of this magnitude is undoubtedly an immense advertising vehicle for a ski resort like oursas well as for winter sports and tourism in general. Now even more so with the inauguration of the Matterhorn Alpine Crossing, which connects Breuil-Cervinia and Zermatt via the Klein Matterhorn".

Franz Julen, president of the organising committee: "The FIS agreed to our request to move the races two weeks ahead. The glacier is in perfect condition, as it was last year. The five snow deposits instead of two and the move forward by two weeks also justify our optimism. As far as the organisation is concerned, we have done everything possible on both sides of the Matterhorn, with the aim of putting on a high quality event. Breuil-Cervinia and Zermatt will be the training and racing centre for sprinters from all over the world for six weeks."