This Wednesday, several prominent FISI figures arrived in Castel di Sangro. The response to Arturo Como’s sports initiative came directly from FISI President Flavio Roda, who led a distinguished delegation.
Welcoming these high-ranking federal professionals was Mayor Angelo Caruso. Arriving in an official federation vehicle were Michel Rainer (federal coach and head of chiffon coopetition for Milano Cortina 2026), Paolo Rivero (technical director of Italy’s youth cross-country skiing sector), and Tommaso Tamburro (FISI coordinator for southern Italy and head of first-level events). Given the significance of the occasion, only a top-level team would suffice.
The purpose of the visit was a site inspection for the proposed construction of a federal skiroll track, with the long-term goal of developing a multi-disciplinary sports center. The idea stems entirely from Arturo Como — an insight born from his 25 years of experience in cross-country skiing through federal roles, regional commission presidencies, and leadership of the Alfedena ski club.
This vision is matched by the strategic intuition of Angelo Caruso, Mayor of Castel di Sangro and President of the Province of L’Aquila. Caruso did not hesitate when Como presented the proposal. His political career has always been marked by action, especially in the realm of sports infrastructure. Today, Castel di Sangro is recognized as a progressive sports center largely thanks to Caruso’s efforts to develop cutting-edge, competitive facilities that offer strong economic, social, and touristic value.
This field inspection followed earlier site visits and a recent online meeting that included FISI board member Bianca Zupi, world champion Marco Albarello, National Cross-Country Commission President Carlo Dal Pozzo, and Regional Committee President Angelo Ciminelli. All participants firmly praised Arturo Como’s consistent commitment to the future of cross-country skiing and skiroll.
Skiroll is the primary training discipline for athletes during the off-season for cross-country skiing. Unfortunately, in southern and central Italy, it is currently practiced only on roads, often without proper safety. This, among other things, fuels Arturo Como’s tireless advocacy.
To fully grasp the historical scope of this day, it’s best to hear from those who know these sports deeply — their strengths and weaknesses. Those weaknesses can be overcome when met with political will like that of Angelo Caruso.
Mayor Angelo Caruso, Castel di Sangro hosted FISI’s top officials today. Though you’re accustomed to high-profile visits, this one stands out. What was discussed, and what is currently in development?
We’re working on building a circuit — a track — that could become an outstanding venue for skiroll activities, potentially including a shooting range. The goal is to create a center of excellence capable of hosting international-level events. It would complement the existing sports infrastructure along the Sangro River and could serve as a primary facility for skiroll in central and southern Italy. A sport destined to grow, but only if supported by proper facilities. Otherwise, access would be limited. The presence of FISI technicians is essential to develop a plan that meets athletes’ needs.
Mayor, when Arturo Como first brought this proposal to you, did you think he was crazy?
Not at all. Sport is passion. When someone across the table shows genuine faith in a sport — free of speculation — their authenticity is clear. Arturo Como believes in a discipline that’s relatively new in our area but deeply tied to cross-country skiing, which is part of our identity. Cross-country has long brought honor to Abruzzo, especially to our region. Arturo isn’t just a fan — he’s an expert. And for Alto Sangro, this sport is a unique asset.
Paolo Rivero, your presence here reflects your technical and professional insight. What’s your takeaway from today’s meeting, and how significant is this initiative?
I’m glad we managed to organize this site visit. I’ve worked closely with Arturo Como, both politically and technically. Castel di Sangro is centrally located within the Abruzzo Nordic skiing area. A facility like this could offer strategic support for all local ski clubs — for training, recruitment, and safe practice. There’s also the technical benefit of using the track before winter. With shorter winters, skiroll training becomes more important. Having such a facility, along with ample hospitality options, gives the Federation an opportunity to shift more events to central and southern Italy. In fact, this summer, our U20 junior team will hold a training camp in Castel di Sangro.
Michel Rainer, you’re here due to your vast experience. Arturo Como’s idea aligns with President Roda’s call to bring skiroll into towns. What are your thoughts after this visit? And could you tell us about your role in Milano-Cortina 2026?
I’m positively surprised by the location — morphologically, it’s perfect for a high-quality skiroll track. We’re awaiting surveys and plans so we can design a track that meets our national and international standards. We’ll do our best to ensure the project is top-notch. The final decision is up to the local administration, but I’m optimistic. Everyone’s ready to get to work. As for Milano-Cortina 2026, I’ve been appointed Race Director for the chiffon coopetition — a great challenge and a near-term goal. Beyond organizing, we hope to bring home medals.
Tommaso Tamburro, you were one of the first Arturo Como confided in about this intuitive dream. As a local and someone close to the athletes, how essential is this project?
Daily training makes it clear: we need better facilities to move forward. This would support the regional committee, every club, the athletes, and all of southern Italy — which currently lacks such a facility. The location chosen will raise the bar. We aim to create a center that supports youth and professional training nationally. With such a facility, this area will gain tremendous prestige. Numbers will rise, training quality will improve, and our athletes will compete on equal footing with those from northern Italy. All sports evolve thanks to infrastructure and logistics — we need innovative approaches not to fall behind.
Arturo Como, your track record in this field precedes you. Today’s visit by FISI leadership is a direct result of your ambitious vision: a skiroll track here. With support from Angelo Caruso and the Federation, people are already speaking of a multi-sport hub. But why Castel di Sangro and not your hometown of Alfedena? And what drives this mission?
It all began almost as a game, with the Alfedena Ski Club — and from there, a 25-year love for cross-country skiing. As for why Castel di Sangro and not Alfedena — that’s a question for Mayor Luigi Milano and Deputy Mayor Paolo Monacelli. What I can say is Mayor Caruso was the only one who opened the door to my proposal. The regional committee, led by Angelo Ciminelli, and the entire Federation offered support and trust. Everyone has done their part. This project is the result of years of close collaboration — and I’m deeply grateful. It’s a comprehensive, ambitious initiative I’ll share in stages. Today marks one of the first and most important steps. I thank President Ciminelli, who always enables me to act; President Roda; Carlo Dal Pozzo, who closely follows central and southern Italy; Mayor Caruso; the technical staff; and everyone who believed from the start. My commitment is the only proper way to repay them. This idea dates back years, but when President Roda said he wanted skiroll in communities, I felt even more determined. I won’t give up. Our young people deserve safe places to train. Sports keep kids off the streets — I want to take skiroll off the streets and put it safely on a track. What we’ve seen today suggests this could become a model project, giving our athletes fairer competition. Until now, there were no skiroll tracks in the central-southern region, and my roles — local, regional, federal — demand that I fight for this. I love this land and also see the tourism, social, and visibility benefits this could bring.
The emotion on Arturo Como’s face said more than words ever could. His love for the sport and its athletes is boundless. And it’s touching to imagine that his emotion might be the first of many — a prelude to the future joy of athletes who will race and win on Castel di Sangro’s future federal skiroll track.
