As expected when different skills are deciding the final results, the Tour is followed by a debate on the overall composition of the Tour. How much classic? How much skating? How many sprints and where to give out bonus points are among the many questions that are being discussed on the different CC web pages just now. We got the different CC skill very well illustrated in the final two competitions for the men. In the beginning of the 20 km mass start Petter Nordthug was playing with his sprint skills in his fight for the bonus seconds against Lukas Bauer. While only one lap later, and in the last climb on Sunday, Lukas Bauer kicked back with his incredible endurance strength.
The discussion is good. The CC Committee will get together all important inputs from all major stakeholders before we meet in Turkey in the beginning of June. I hope the engagement is kept warm through the spring and that all comments will be brought forward to the national committee members before next year's program is decided in June. It is too late to complain when the snow is falling again next winter.
I am really happy that the Tour in just four years has developed to such a major event and meeting place outside our Championships. This year's newcomer, the race from Cortina to Toblach was well received by most athletes and media. New ideas and new places will also in future be tested but most important is that the basic concept has proved to work.
The next major step is a Tour World Championship every fourth year. We can just hope for support from the Congress in Turkey in June.
Next stop for me is Vancouver Olympics, until then enjoy your skiing.
Vegard
