Ski Sprint Prague 2010 will take place on 4th January and its track will run between the two stadiums in Strahov. The competition is part of VIESSMANN FIS TOUR DE SKI.
This is the third time that Prague will host this race. The City has always offered not only enough enthusiastic spectators but most of all the beauty of the capital city itself. Strahov comes after Hradčany and Výstaviště Holešovice. “It is in many respects the most suitable place. Let’s hope the weather will be favourable as well and that Strahov will amongst other things offer a view of Prague under snow. In the past, the City financially supported the event and despite the recession we intend to support the third year as well,” said the Mayor of Prague, Pavel Bém.
Participation of Superstars
The organizers have prepared several pleasant surprises for the spectators. First of all, they will be able to watch the race from along the whole track and also from the middle of the circuit, which might intensify their experience. “Admission will be free and accompanying events will start before the beginning of the race. The programme will feature Leoš Mareš and probably also two celebrities from this year’s Superstar. However, much bigger stars will make their appearance amongst the competitors.
Entertainment for children
During the event, the Czech Ski Association will present a children’s snow park, which FIS offers for free to ski centres under certain conditions, e.g. that they will help train the personnel. Little children will therefore have a chance to try out this attraction with a moving path. According to the organizers, there will be experienced staff on the spot, who will mind children while their parents watch the race.
Liquid nitrogen is prepared
So far, the weather has not been very favourable. If there is no snow, the organizers will have to make use of snow guns. It will take them two and a half days to prepare the surface as well asprovide adequate temperatures. If the temperature is too high, the snow will have to be created by means of liquid nitrogen, which can last for the duration of the race even if the temperature is as high as 15 degrees above zero.
Track for Praguers – one extra day
The snow between the two stadiums will not stay in place once the event has finished. Praguers will have a chance to use the track one day after the race, i.e. on 5th January. After that, however, the snow will have to disappear. If the snow stayed, the water would run onto local roads and might cause accidents. Part of the snow will be taken by Prague 2 which plans to make a sledging surface in Riegrovy Sady, the rest will be transported to a nearby asphalt surface,” said Ota Linhart. Originally it was planned that the snow would be transported to Ladronka, but heavy lorries would destroy local lawns.
The City supports skiers
The organizers of the race are CS SKI, s. r. o., and the event is held under the auspices of the Mayor of Prague, Pavel Bém, Deputy Prime Minister of the CR and the Minister of Defence Martin Barták and the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the CR. Programme and detailed information about Ski Sprint Prague 2010 can be found at Tour de ski.
Source: www.praha.eu
Contact