FRANCESCO TOLDO AND MARCIALONGA

46th Marcialonga from Moena to Cavalese on 27th January
A 70 km track in Val di Fiemme and Val di Fassa
Four Italian Olympic champions together with the former Italy goalkeeper at the start
Figures: 34 nations and 7.500 participants

"On January 27th I will take part in Marcialonga, the legendary race in Val di Fiemme and Val di Fassa! I’ve been invited by the world cycling champion Paolino Bettini and I will be part of a group of former athletes. Follow us because it will be quite a show... Paolo, leave your bike at home, bring only your cross-country skis!", stated Francesco Toldo, former gatekeeper of Fiorentina and Inter and European vice-champion with the Italian national team in the UEFA European Championships 2000. On that occasion Italy was defeated by France in the final. But everyone remembers that edition for the shootout victory of Italy against Holland in the semi-final on the "orange" field, especially thanks to a monumental Toldo who saved Frank De Boer’s penalty during the regulation. He then saved the penalties of Bosvelt and once again of De Boer who recently became (for a short time) coach of Inter. "I felt invincible against Holland," said Toldo, who now works as a manager. The 46th edition is scheduled for January 27th from Moena to Cavalese on a 70 km track on cross-country skis and will see the participation of former and present champions. In addition to Toldo there will be four great Italian Olympic champions of cross-country skiing, canoeing, gymnastics and cycling: in the order Cristian Zorzi, Antonio Rossi, Jury Chechi and Paolo Bettini. Last year, "Il grillo" Paolo Bettini participated in the 45 km Marcialonga Light, but this year he seems more determined than ever and will cover it 'to the end', a slogan that is dear to Juventus fans. "Marcialonga is another challenge to add to my achievements", said Bettini. Antonio Rossi already participated in two editions, and for him it will be a comeback: "Marcialonga is always beautiful for its festive atmosphere", without forgetting "The Lord of the Rings" Jury Chechi and Cristian Zorzi, Olympic and world champion who is "at home" with Marcialonga. Among the 7,500 aficionados there are 2064 Italian men and 446 Italian women, 1266 Norwegian men and 350 Norwegian women, 1183 Swedish men and 412 Swedish women, 266 Russian men and 50 Russian women, 278 Finnish men and 71 Finnish women, for a total of 34 nations; there will also be 7 Dutch athletes who will be very happy to see the former Italian goalkeeper...

© Newspower