The offical 'Road Opening Ceremony', which I have never heard of before, started late, as is customary in Italy. It is normal to have an opening ceremony on the night ofd the first track events or even the night before they start, but not two (2)? It made many spectators question if there will be a third (3rd) opening ceremony for the Marathon?

So it began a little after the scheduled time of 8.30pm and by 9.30pm it was well underway. The traditional medieval band, in costume with their instruments loudly played their way through the winding streets of Sulmona into the road circuit. They were followed by each country, in alphabetical order, each athlete holding a large candle (trying to prevent the hot wax from falling onto the road they would soon skate on) proudly follwing their country's flag. the usual speaches and what is now expected for an Italian Opening Ceremony, 'fireworks and more fireworks' blasted into the night's sky, lighting up Sulpmna like never before. the crowed b+¡made audible gasps of delight as more and more solourful and niosy explosions went high up into the sky.

As the smike drifted over the road, the ahtletes bagen to leave the circuit. Earlier this same night, the streets were full of people, some sitting on benches, watching the passers by, incluing many skaters. Others strolled on the uneven cobblestones in the pleasant warm evening air and enjoyed each others company, talking noisily, as is also usual in Italy.

5000m POINTS:

JUNIOR LADIES:

The race started like it was a 500m. Fast and furious. It continued for the whole 17 laps in the same manner.Before the race started, my thoughts had been that the contest owuld be between the south Korean girls, New Zealand, Colombia and the United States. As the event unfolded, the plan of each countries skaters had to be chaged somewhat, with the 2 shorter straights at both ends being fairly flat, and each longer straight one going up hill slightly and the other, to the finsih line is down hill. The Korean contingient was thrilled once again, as their taking of both gold and bronze in this event. Kuck Chae Yi, a very ecperienced marathon skater hasd her hands held high for most of the final straight, she was so confident of her win, and her partner Lee Cho Long were both successful again tonight. Between them was Colombias Carolina Upegai, another very acomplished skater.

JUNIOR MEN:

There was a very early breakaway by 4 skaters, including one from Slovinia, which was encouraging for his countrymen. Italy was part of this group along with Colombia and France follwed closly by the United States.. With 14 laps to go another break away occured as they boys climbed the hill, the lead changed during the lap,but the important part is of course the points gained while crossing the finish line. The 2 French skaters made it to the front with 10 laps to go.Venezuela made a vallient effort, but it was short lived. The pace increased and the skater from Mexico dropped off the back of the pack. The boys were litterally 'running' not skating up the hill. This was the very crucial area where the tough and fitter skaters could take advantage of their ability to pass when going up the hill. You could see some skaters who appeared to be standing still as other rushed past them. The strongest seemed to be a young Colombian, who 'on command' he would go to the font of the pack to gain more points 'at will'. Italy still made breaks trying to gain additional points. Andres Muñoz, after a bad fall on the track during the relay, knees still patched, along with hurt ribs and elbows with bandages, his disappointment of last weeks fall behind him, he stood proudly on the top of the podium to take his very desirved gold medal. Sweat beads were still on his brow as he answered questoins fired at him by the Colombian radio guys. Belgium was also proud on this night, with their very accomplished skater Kwinten Tap taking the silver medal and to the crowd's delight Daniel Sciarra taking bronze.

SENIOR LADIES:Last year Colombia's Alexandra Vivas was 'The Bridesmaid'. she was never the bride. she had a bad of silver and broze medal, but the gold elluded her time and time again. This year, stronger and more mature this young lady has the Midas Touch'´. Her collection of gold medals continues to grow and she goes from strength-to-strength. Argentina, Switzerland and Italy tried relentlessly to prevent her from ammassing points to no avail. Alexandra was, on this night, 'unbeatable'. she skated both smart and fast, she was in the right place at the right time. completely unaided, she showed how much her skating has improved. her compatriots were again delighted, waving their flags and shouting encouragement both during the race as well as during the award ceremony. From Argentina, Melisa Bonnet took silver and Italys Simona Di Eugenio the bronze. Korea´s lady skaters did well to gain points but unfortunately insufficint for a medal in this race.

SENIOR MEN:

The presentations for all previous races wre held, formally as before, with pagent and dignity. Medieval costimed and music to match, the velvet dresses of the lades who held the medals and flowers marched solomnly behind the gentlemen wearing a suit of armour. the CIC presenters were also accompanied by formally dressed locals who made the presentations something special to behold.