Chinese skier Xia Wan, who finished his 30 km pursuit in 51st place, said in Turin on Sunday that the Chinese team has accumulated a lot of experience so far and should keep good form for the next Winter Olympics in Vancouver in 2010 with the women skiers staying in the top ten, while their male compatriots move into the top 30.

Wang Chunli, who finished 21st in the women's 15 km pursuit, was a major step up from the 29th position achieved by Qu Donghai in 1998.

Ding Yi, who is in charge of the Chinese cross-country skiing team, was a little more reserved.

"The Chinese cross-country skiing team will become more mature in 2010 and, I hope, will get closer to the powerhouses, both technically and mentally," he said, "Since 2003, we have started to train in Finland and learnt a lot.

"In 2005, Per Erik Ronnestrand, former head coach of the Swedish cross country skiing team, took charge of the Chinese team, and has put us on a fast development track. Thanks to him, we have learned more about cutting-edge technology, advanced training and competition concepts.

"China's sports governing body is also paying more attention to skiing events and has invested more into the sport."

(Xinhua News Agency February 13, 2006)