Italy's ski team to pay tribute to victims of Crans Montana fire

MILAN – Italy’s alpine ski team will pay tribute to the victims of a fire that killed 40 people in the Swiss resort of Crans Montana earlier this month, the Italian Winter Sports Federation (FISI) announced on Tuesday.

Athletes will lay flowers at the site of the tragedy and observe a minute of silence. The Italian team, known as the ‘Azzurri,’ will also wear black armbands during this weekend’s World Cup races, the final test before the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics next month.

The tribute comes amid a diplomatic row between Italy and Switzerland over the handling of the fire investigation. Italy recalled its ambassador from Switzerland after expressing outrage over the Swiss inquiry, which involved six Italian nationals who died during a New Year’s party.

The Italian men’s ski team has improved its gold medal prospects, led by 24-year-old Giovanni Franzoni. Franzoni recently won the Kitzbuehel downhill and has had several podium finishes, boosting Italy’s hopes in the upcoming Olympics.

The International Ski Federation (FIS) and local organisers confirmed on January 16 that the Crans Montana World Cup races will proceed, albeit with a reduced schedule. All side events have been cancelled, advertising along the course removed, and a minute of silence will be held before the races.

No fan zone activities are planned, and all daytime events in Crans Montana’s town center and local curling club will also be cancelled. The World Cup schedule includes a women’s downhill on Friday, a women’s super-G on Saturday, and a men’s downhill on Sunday.

The Milano Cortina Winter Games opening ceremony is set for February 6 in Milan, with the first Alpine skiing event – the men’s downhill in Bormio – scheduled for the following day. -Reporting by Lisa Jucca; Editing by Ken Ferris/Reuters