Cross-country skiing has been part of the FISU Universiade programme since 1960 and, for decades, the sport was dominated by the Soviet Union and later by Russia, which (together) have won more than half of the gold medals awarded so far. But the sporting landscape is also changing for student-athletes and other countries are gaining ground.
In history, Italy has won gold three times, with Francesco Semenzato in 1993, the women’s relay in 2003 and Luca Orlandi in 2005.
The competitions will take place in the prestigious and historical venue of the CCS Centre in Pragelato Plan, where the 2006 Olympic Games were held and where, the following year, the Universiade medals were awarded. Also present at the time was a superstar of this discipline – held in Classic (C) and Freestyle (F), Justina Kowalczyk from Poland.
One thing is certain: in 2025 we will see new stars being born among the 200 student-athletes from 32 different countries!
