In Castel di Sangro, on Wednesday, several FISI stars arrived. A highly prestigious delegation, led by FISI President Flavio Roda, responded to the sporting call made by Arturo Como.
Welcoming these prominent professionals from the federation world was the Mayor of Castel di Sangro, Angelo Caruso. Specifically, arriving in a federal vehicle were Michel Rainer, federal coach and head of the chiffon coopetition for Milano Cortina 2026; Paolo Rivero, technical director of youth cross-country skiing for the Italian national team; and Tommaso Tamburro, FISI coordinator for cross-country skiing in Central-Southern Italy and events manager for the first tier. It was the only team fitting for the importance of the occasion.
The meeting centered around an on-site inspection for the potential development of a federal skiroll track, envisioned as the cornerstone of a new sports center that could encompass multiple disciplines. The idea stems entirely from Arturo Como, whose deep insight is rooted in 25 years of involvement in cross-country skiing—through federal roles, regional committee presidencies, and leadership of the Alfedena Ski Club.
This vision is complemented by the sharp political instinct of Angelo Caruso, Mayor of Castel di Sangro and President of the Province of L’Aquila. He didn’t hesitate when Como first presented his proposal. After all, Caruso’s political career has always been marked by active engagement. Castel di Sangro is now seen as a forward-thinking and well-equipped sports hub, largely thanks to Caruso’s consistent commitment to creating cutting-edge, competitive facilities with strong economic, social, and touristic impact.
The visit was an in-depth field inspection, preceded by initial site surveys and a recent online call attended, among others, by federal councilor Bianca Zupi, multiple world champion Marco Albarello, federal councilor and President of the National Cross-Country Commission Carlo Dal Pozzo, and regional committee president Angelo Ciminelli. All praised Arturo Como’s unwavering commitment to the future of cross-country skiing and skiroll.
Skiroll is the discipline that best supports athlete training when cross-country skiing is not possible. Unfortunately, in Central and Southern Italy, it is practiced only on roads, which poses significant safety concerns. It is in this context that Arturo Como’s battle and vision take shape.
To fully grasp the historical importance of this day, from every perspective, one must listen to those who intimately understand the strengths and weaknesses of these sports. Weaknesses can be mitigated when met with the political will demonstrated by Angelo Caruso.
Mayor Caruso, Castel di Sangro hosted top FISI officials today. Though you’re no stranger to prestigious visits, this one stands out. What was discussed and what is being worked on, concretely?
We’re working on a circuit, a track—something that will become a spectacular venue for skiroll activities, potentially expanded to include a shooting range. The goal is to create a center of excellence capable of hosting internationally significant events. It would be integrated into the existing sports infrastructure near the Sangro River—a natural completion of what already exists, and an opening for a new discipline that, from a facilities standpoint, would be unparalleled in Central and Southern Italy. Skiroll is a growing sport, and growth requires adequate structures. Otherwise, access is limited and compromised. The presence of federal technicians is essential for designing a plan that meets the athletes’ technical needs.
When Arturo Como first brought you this proposal, did you think he was crazy?
Not at all. Sport is passion. When you sense the person across from you is driven by pure passion—by a devotion to a discipline not tied to speculation—you understand the authenticity behind their proposal. Arturo Como believes in a sport that may be somewhat new to our region, though it’s historically linked to cross-country skiing, which is deeply rooted here. Cross-country skiing has always brought honor to Abruzzo, especially our area. This project is a response to a passionate plea from someone who isn’t just a fan but a true expert in a sport that is a unique resource for Alto Sangro.
Paolo Rivero, you came to Castel di Sangro to provide your professional and technical opinion. What are your takeaways from this visit, and how important is such a development?
I’m pleased we managed to organize this site visit in Castel di Sangro. We’ve had extensive discussions with Arturo Como, on both political and technical aspects. Castel di Sangro is a central location for Nordic skiing activities in Abruzzo and beyond. A facility like this could be a vital strategic support for all the local ski clubs. It would promote recruitment, allow safe training, and offer a technical advantage by providing a track before the winter season begins. As winter seasons get shorter, skiroll becomes increasingly important for training. Knowing we have locations with concentrated sports infrastructure and ample lodging options offers the federation a valuable opportunity to shift events and training camps to Central and Southern Italy. In fact, this summer we’ll be hosting a training camp for the U20 junior team in Castel di Sangro.
Michel Rainer, you’re here thanks to your extensive experience. Arturo Como’s idea aligns with President Roda’s push to bring skiroll into towns. What are your thoughts after the visit, and can you tell us about your role in Milano-Cortina 2026?
I’m positively surprised by the location. Morphologically, it’s very suitable for designing and building an excellent skiroll track. We’re waiting on topographical surveys and layout maps to design a track that meets the national and international technical standards. We’re committed to doing our best to ensure the optimal outcome. The final decision rests with the local administration. All the intentions are positive, and I’m confident. We’ll get to work immediately to advance this project. As for Milano-Cortina 2026, I’ve been appointed as race director for the chiffon coopetition—an exciting challenge that’s just around the corner. Beyond the organizational aspect, we hope to bring home some medals.
Tommaso Tamburro, you were one of the first people Arturo Como shared this highly intuitive dream with. As someone from this land and deeply immersed in the athlete community, how necessary is this project and what could it bring?
Daily training highlights our need for structural upgrades to progress. This project would support the regional committee, all local sports clubs, the athletes themselves, and the whole Central and Southern region, which currently lacks such a facility. The selected area will allow us to raise the bar significantly. The facility will support both beginner and advanced training on a national scale. A track like this would add enormous value to the region. It would increase participation, improve training conditions, and enable fairer competition with athletes from Northern Italy. All sports sectors have historically evolved through facility and logistical improvements—this requires innovation to avoid falling behind.
Arturo Como, your legacy in this field precedes you. Today, the key players in FISI are here to follow through on your bold and thoughtful dream: building a skiroll track in this area. With Angelo Caruso’s swift support and the federation’s strong will, talk of a multi-discipline sports center is already spreading. Why Castel di Sangro and not your native Alfedena? Tell us about your great sporting mission.
It all started almost playfully with the ASD Ski Club of Alfedena, and from there, my love for cross-country skiing—now lasting 25 years. Why we’re in Castel di Sangro and not Alfedena should be asked to the mayor and deputy mayor of Alfedena, Luigi Milano and Paolo Monacelli—they surely have an answer. What I can say is that Mayor Caruso was the only one who opened the doors wide to this proposal, just as President Angelo Ciminelli and the whole federation did. Everyone supported me and made themselves available in their roles. This is the result of years of close collaboration—important and never taken for granted. It’s a broad and comprehensive plan that I’ll share in stages—an ambitious project, fully conceived and wanted by me. Today marked one of the first and most significant steps, and I sincerely thank President Ciminelli, who always supports my work, President Roda, President Carlo Dal Pozzo who closely follows Central-Southern activities, Mayor Caruso, the attending technicians, and all who have been involved since the beginning. My dedication is the only way I can repay everyone properly. The idea was born a few years ago, and when President Roda expressed his wish to bring skiroll into communities last year, I felt even more driven. I won’t give up—our young people need safety and access to sport. Sport keeps them off the streets; I want to go further and take skiroll off the roads and onto safe tracks. What emerged today suggests a jewel project that will ensure fair competition for our athletes. To date, there are no skiroll tracks in Central or Southern Italy, and my roles at local, regional, and federal levels compel me to fight for such a just and vital cause. I love these places and don’t overlook the tourism, social, and visibility benefits that will naturally follow.
The emotion that often crossed Arturo Como’s face and eyes spoke volumes. It showed what love for a sport—and for those who practice it—can create. One likes to think that Como’s emotion will be the first of many to come, from the athletes who will train and triumph on the federal skiroll track of Castel di Sangro.
