The Inner Mongolia Xiwuzhumuqin Banner leg of the 5th FIS Cross-Country Skiing China Tour concluded yesterday. A total of 75 athletes from 10 countries, including China, Sweden, and Norway, participated in the event. As the Chinese cross-country skiing team is preparing for the upcoming National Winter Games, only young athletes were sent to compete, with Li Lei ultimately finishing eighth in the women's sprint.
In the men's and women's long-distance freestyle races held on the first day, Swedish star Hagberg and Norwegian athlete Stensland claimed the men's and women's titles respectively. On the second day, during the men's and women's sprint freestyle events, Stensland secured her second gold medal of the competition, while the men's title went to Estonian athlete Seelis, who was competing in China for the first time.
The event was jointly organized by the Chinese Ski Association, the Xiwuzhumuqin Banner government, and Beijing Nordica Management Consulting Co., Ltd. It also served as a key highlight of the annual "Silver Xiwuzhumuqin – Grassland Ice and Snow Carnival."