The Val Gardena World Cup races scheduled on 20th-21st December 2002 on the Saslong were presented to the media this morning at Bolzano. The press conference saw not only the World Cup chief Erich Demetz but also Kristian Ghedina, winner of the race for four times, and the ski legend Herbert Plank. The OC president Stefania Demetz introduced the novelties of the "42.Saslong Classic",  such as the re-introduction of a Super G after 19 years, the prize money for the final training, the rich side events' programme "The Skiworldcup at Christmas" and the interesting ticketing offers. Rainer Senoner, the technical director of the Val Gardena World Cup races, illustrated the improvement works on the slope made in summer as well as the large investments in security. The World Cup chief Erich Demetz explained the advantages of the new downhill rules, and the marketing director Edmund Dellago talked about the increasing problems of organizing a World Cup race. The event manager Günther Comploj stressed the inviting side events' programme which includes the New York Golden Gospel Singers and the presentation of the athletes on the square Sant'Antonio in Ortisei on Friday, 20th December. Herbert Plank refreshed the memories of his victory on the Saslong 25 years ago, while Kristian Ghedina commented on his favourite course.