PAOLO BETTINI ON THE MARCIALONGA TRACK

To those who love or simply practice winter sports once in a while, Marcialonga certainly sounds as something quite renowned and familiar. The Italian ski-marathon in Trentino region (North-Eastern part of the country, on the Dolomites) draws the attention of thousands of XC skiing passionates every year, and this year, next 28 January, is about to attract around 7,500 people of any age and from any corner of the planet. Among them there will be an Olympic and World champion, a former professional road cyclist from 1997 to 2008. Paolo Bettini has been training on the Marcialonga track these days and 'I first said yes and later I put my boots and skis on', claimed Bettini with a smile.

'I started two months ago – continued the Italian champion – and I'm a little scared I'm falling in love with cross country skiing, I admit it. It is a great challenge for me, the first one in the new year.'

Road cycling and XC skiing have similarities as tough disciplines, as Bettini himself points out: 'In history, cyclists used to train in winter by skiing in the country, cross country skiing I mean. And skiers do cycle a lot both road and off-road cycling. In order to keep in shape and prepare to winter events. I'll do my best next 28 January, guaranteed!'