Biathlon, cross-country ski officials visit PyeongChang 2018

Representatives from IPC Biathlon and Cross-Country Skiing have returned from the third official visit to the venue for the PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games.

Race Director Len Apedaile and Head of IPC Snow Sports Dimitrije Lazarovski assessed progress with the construction of the Alpensia Biathlon Centre and set up a schedule for the Test Event in March 2017.

Officials from the Korean Nordic Skiing Federation for the Disabled and representatives from the PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games Organising Committee (POCOG) also joined the site inspection from 16-19 June.

“Course and stadium bridge constructions are about 60 per cent competed and on schedule, whilst most of the work so far has been completed on the existing standing courses,” said Apedaile.

The sit ski course construction is scheduled to begin in July and will be completed by October 2016.

Snow production and contingency planning was also discussed for both 2017 and 2018.

“Planning work for the test event is in progress and will continue over the summer including detailed venue and competition planning and functional area engagement,” said Apedaile.

“Valuable experience was gained from the Asian Cup pre-test event held in January 2016.

“IPC Biathlon and Cross-Country was satisfied with the planning progress to date but noted that the detailed work begins now towards delivering a successful Test Event and continuing to build a solid foundation for the Paralympic Winter Games.”

The IPC Biathlon and Cross-Country Skiing World Cup will act as the Test Event for PyeongChang 2018 and will take place from 10-15 March.

Just weeks before, skiers will line-up for the World Championships in Finsterau, Germany, from 11-19 February.