The fifth Vasaloppet China international cross-country ski race is scheduled to be held in December 1st 2006 in Changchun City, capital of Jilin Province.

The event has been held four times in Changchun since it was brought to China in 2003.

The fifth Vasaloppet China international cross-country ski race will last 94 days, including 32 events and 20,000 people from 25 countries and regions scheduled to compete.

"Since the 2007 Winter Asian Games is to be held in Changchun from January 28th to February 4th, the fifth Vasaloppet China aims to present a banquet of snow along with it," said Hao Liping, an official of the organizing committee.

Vasaloppet, a long distance cross-country ski race, is held annually in Sweden and has a long history of over 80 years.

(Xinhua News Agency November 15, 2006)