Opening race of the European Cup in Bansko

Today at 18:00 hours begins the official opening ceremony of the European Cup competition in Bansko. After the celebration all will be withdrawn, and the vest and numbers will be given to the competitors.

Tomorrow at 10.30 hours the first round of the competition will be held and at 13:00 the second round will begin. Conditions are perfect for skiing, the slopes are well prepared and expected at this time to be clear.

The contest will be held on piste Tomba where the snow is hard, the players will not leave any traces. The competition in Bansko is a test for the organizers to launch a Men's World Cup event next year.

The length of the piste is 650 meters, 205 meters is the displacement in the number of gates which stands at 58. The number of participants is 79 and they are representatives of 20 different countries. Bulgaria is entitled to 10 contestants, but 7 participants will compete.

Gregor Poshtomat, the coach of the national team believes that the classification in the first 20 will be quite an achievement. Hopes are awarded to Stefan Georgiev, who already has a quota for participation in the Olympic Games in Vancouver. Georgi Georgiev and Nikolai Chongarov are also expected to perform well.