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Krasnoyarsk on brink of winning right to host 2019 Winter University Games

By 0 and 0 and 0
17 September 2013

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They would also discover what the word winter really means, with temperatures often dipping below minus 40C - in bright sunshine. Picture: Bobroviy Log 

The Russian region had been up against the Swiss canton of Valais - home to the majestic Matterhorn - but came away as the only candidate for the 14-sport Winter Universiade (WU). Observers maybe surprised by the outcome of a recent session in Brussels but the French-speaking region dominated by the Rhone Valley in the end did not press their claim to challenge the sporting capital of Siberia, on the banks of the Yenisei River. 

Now an early October inspection visit by the International University Sports Federation (FISU) will decide whether 'only candidate' Krasnoyarsk is up to the job. Like some Swiss cities, Krasnoyarsk also boasts ski-ing on its doorstep, and victory will mean the world's best students will soon get a glimpse of what the Siberian city has to offer, giving a perfect chance to market its advantages and potential to worldwide audience.

They would also discover what the word winter really means, with temperatures often dipping below minus 40C - in bright sunshine. 

Siberian city 'beats' the world famous ski resorts of Zermatt and Verbier

Unlike the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, and the 2018 football World Cup, it would be the first based in Siberia. Picture: Bobroviy Log 

'The delegation of Valais, which was initially a candidate for the organisation of the 2019 WU, was not present,' admitted the website of the International University Sports Federation (FISU).

'In fact, Valais has withdrawn its candidature but plans to bid for the 2021 games. This is a very important day for the region and the citizens of Krasnoyarsk. We are eager to show the whole world what a genuine winter is by organising the 2019 Winter Universiade,' said Ekaterina Peshkova, vice-governor of Krasnoyarsk region. 

'The general secretary of the FISU Eric Santron said that Swiss had not  prepared the required document in time,' said a statement from the regional government. Technically the bidding process could be re-opened but Russia is gaining an impressive record in hosting international sporting events of which this would be the latest.

Unlike the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, and the 2018 football World Cup, it would be the first based in Siberia. 

Moscow recently hosted the athletics World Championships and Kazan was the venue for the 2013 Summer University Games. Technically the bidding process could be re-opened but the Russian government is an enthusiastic backer. President Vladimir Putin said in July that Krasnoyarsk 'deserves' the games. 

A number of key infrastructure projects are already pledged. 

Comments (2)

....OR THE LEDERHOSEN!
Berti, Bankgok
23/09/2013 23:41
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oh come on surely Siberia can't compete to Switzerland, with all respect to Siberians, you just don't have the mountains that stunning and the infrastructure
Peter, Switzerland/Asia
17/09/2013 21:02
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