This September, the international speed skating community will meet in Spain for the ultimate event in our discipline. The host city, Gijon, a modern and strong tourist metropolis in the North of Spain, will welcome more than 600 athletes from 60 nations across 5 continents to the 2008 CIC World Speed Skating Championships. With the competition fast approaching, Dr. Roberto Marotta, President of the CIC, recently spent 2 days visiting the Asturian city.

Dr. Marotta was accompanied by the President of the Spanish Roller Sports Federation (RFEP) and President of the Gijon 2008 Organizing Committee Mr. Carmelo Paniagua. Both men visited the high-velocity venues that will host the competitions to commence on the 4th of September. The CIC President took in the imposing new 200m Indoor Skating Banked Track and the 400m Road Circuit at the Las Mestas Sports Complex. He also visited the beautiful urban circuit on the San Lorenzo beachfront where the Marathon will be held.

During his visit, Dr. Marotta was received into a sitting of the Gijon City Council by Miss Doña Paz Fernández Felgueroso, Mayor of Gijon, and other members from the Executive Committee and Honour Committee of Gijon 2008.

Bringing his visit to a close, the CIC President and representatives of the Organizing Committee held a well-attended Press Conference for members of the regional media who are eagerly awaiting the beginning of the World Championships in September.