CROSS-COUNTRY SKI. The Continental Cup series within the Alpine countries (OPA Cup) began in Goms, Switzerland this weekend.  The series will then travel through Austria, Germany, Slovenia and Italy.

Ilaria Debertolis (ITA) won the women's 5km F. Photo: NordicFocus

This season, the OPA Cup will be featuring two mini-Tours. The first will be held in Rogla, Slovenia, from 15th-17th February 2013. The three-day competition program includes free technique prologue, 5/10 km classic and 10/15 km free technique pursuit.

The OPA Cup will conclude from 15th-17th March in Toblach, Italy with an OPA Finals stage event. The finals will consist of free technique prologue, 5/10 km classic and 10/15 km skiathlon.

Swiss Marco Mühlematter dominated last year's edition of OPA and will be among the strongest contenders again. On the ladies’ side, Celia Aymonier of France claimed the overall victory in 2011/12 season.

FIScrosscoutry.com
Sunday 9 December 2012