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. > MORE