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Every year, 5.000 competitors from 30 countries and almost 100 journalists gather at Poland’s Szklarska Poreba, for the 6th FIS Worldloppet Cup stage, Bieg Piastow. This year, journalists visited Szklarska Poreba already during the preseason: Around 100 journalists, politicians, organizers and representatives met for the 36th edition of Forum Nordicum, which for the first time in history took place in Poland.

Worldloppet played a key role in this year’s FN not only because of the location. Traditionally, the first day was the FIS-day. Gian Franco Kasper, the president of the International Ski Federation, started the event off by outlining upcoming key events. The representatives of Worldloppet were also given the opportunity to underline the importance of Worldloppet, whilst additionally sharing innovations and visions for the series. A real Worldloppet hero and one of the hosts, went on stage and emphasized the impact Worldloppet has on the world of marathon skiing: Dorota Dziadkowiec Michon is a 3 time Worldloppet overall winner, winner of La Sgambeda, Birkebeinerrennet, Gatineau Loppet, 5 times winner of Bieg Piastow and 6th at Vasaloppet. She spoke about her time as a marathon skier and spoke highly of WL. 

Once the presentation finished, and all questions of the journalists were answered, the autumn meeting of the WL Executive Committee commenced. The officials evaluated the former seasons and discussed changes for the upcoming winter. Another highlight was the nomination of the new Worldloppet President. In 2016, the General Secretariat will move from Predazzo/ITA to another Worldloppet race venue.

The retiring General Secretary, Angelo Corradini, brings yet another award to Worldloppet: Forum Nordicum honored him with the Werner Kirchhofer Prize for his contributions to the forum.