It is only 4 days to the beginning of the XXXV World Speed Skating Championships. Italy will play host again to this important event after having experiences in Padova, Piombino, Venice and Finale Emilia. This year, Abruzzo promises excitement, triumph winners and a fantastic region for the race.

The central region of Abruzzo, L’Aquila will receive more than 500 skaters from 50 nations in a year where the sport spirits shines after the recent culmination of the Olympic Games in Athens, Greece.

L´Aquila, Sulmona and Pescara will be the areas for various competitions beginning 4 September, standing our therefore the contest organized in Barquisimeto, Venezuela in 2003.

On Friday 3 September, L´Aquila will be filled with color and magic with the opening ceremony of the championship. It will be the start of many more exciting moments of the 2004 championships.

In these last few days, all organizers and race teams are making final preparations for the big event. Amongst the countries participating in this year’s Worlds Argentina, Australia, Chile, China Popular, Chinese Taipei, Colombia, South Korea, France, El Salvador, India, New Zealand, South Africa, Venezuela and of course, Italy.