The most traditional cross-country skiing in the Pustertal is celebrating its 40th anniversary

On November 22nd, the 40th Pustertal Ski Marathon was officially presented at the Parkhotel Laurin in Bolzano. A race that scores points above all for its history and tradition.

The history of South Tyrol's most traditional cross-country skiing was presented in Bolzano. There were the four “loyalists” who took part in all 39 editions and will be competing again on January 07th, 2017. These are the Pustertaler Karl Walder from Dobbiaco and the three Belluno residents Giancarlo Vettorel, Giorgio Peretti and Giuliano Tinelli. Yesterday the organizing committee presented you with a small gift as a small recognition of your loyalty and passion.

“The participants have been close to our hearts since 1976 and we always want to offer them the best,” confirmed the president of the organizing committee Alfred Prenn. “We are confident that the temperatures will soon adapt to the season and that we will be able to run the trail in its entire length on the occasion of the 40th edition. The Pustertal Ski Marathon is a race that combines the beauty of sport and the beauty of nature in the Three Peaks region. The “Pustertaler” is a race that can only be put on by around 500 volunteers who help with their utmost commitment for months. A big thank you also goes to the sponsors and all public institutions that continue to support us. We would like to see a high number of participants, especially for the 40th edition, for a race that has been returned to its roots and will be held exclusively using classic technology.”

Prominent field of participants

Also present at the presentation of the 40th edition was the President of the Italian Ski Federation (FISI), Flavio Roda. “Not everyone can claim to have held forty races. The Pustertal Ski Marathon is a classic among cross-country skiing events, a race that is also very popular with young athletes. Not to be forgotten is the high value that the UNESCO World Heritage Site has to offer from a tourist perspective.”

Mauro Brigadoi, who beat two-time Olympic champion Giorgio di Centa in 2016, was also there yesterday in Bolzano. “The last race was wonderful, even if unfortunately it could only be held on a shortened route. But above all, this is an incentive to want to prove yourself on this route again and this time over 60km.”

The four “most loyal” also talked about their most emotional experiences. “The race that remains in my memory is the third edition,” said Karl Walder from Toblach. “It was still snowing at the start and it was difficult to wax the skis because we had bases under the skis. Then the sun came out, then the rain and towards Antholz we were walking in real streams full of water.” “For me it is an honor to take part in this race. Every time I cross the finish line I am overwhelmed with emotions,” says Giancarlo Vettorel from Feltre. “The greatest satisfaction? That was when I crossed the finish line with only one stick because I had a light cast on my left shoulder and arm due to a fall while skiing 10 days ago."

“The Pustertaler is a tough and enchanting race. It has always been like this,” says Giorgio Peretti from Cortina d'Ampezzo. “I especially remember one edition where we ran to Antholz and ran the whole route in snow and rain. An incredible effort.”

“The biggest memory of the Pustertal Ski Marathon? We ran one of the first editions at around minus 27 degrees!” says Giuliano Tinelli from Cadore.

The fortieth edition of the Pustertal Ski Marathon is scheduled for Saturday, January 7th, 2017. The program includes 60 km in classic technique with a start in Prags/Schmieden and a finish in Sesto.

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The most traditional cross-country skiing in the Pustertal is celebrating its 40th anniversary

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