Skiing World Cup under threat

Sonja Nef will be among the stars at the World Cup

Skiing officials have lined up alternative venues in case the war on terror forces the cancellation of World Cup races in North America.

The 2001-2002 World Cup season begins in Soelden on Saturday but after that the men's and women's circuits move to the US and Canada respectively.

The women are due to compete at Lake Louise in Canada between 29 November and 1 December.

On 1 and 2 December the men are scheduled to race in Colorado.

International Ski Federation (FIS) spokesman Gunther Hujara said: "All the signals are positive but we have prepared possible alternatives anyway."

FIS chief Sarah Lewis has said a final decision on the North American races rested with the local federations.