Promoting the first ever parallel slalom event on the FIS tour, Munich 2018 ambassador and Germany's leading alpine skier Felix Neureuther said the competition would provide compelling evidence of the region's host city credentials.

He was backed up by the chief executive officer of the Munich Olympic Park, Ralph Huber, and Germany and FC Bayern Munich footballer Bastian Schweinsteiger as they pushed Munich's bid to host the 2018 Winter Olympics and Paralympics.

With the backing of industry-leading expertise, elite athletes and, most importantly, Bavaria's passionate sports fans, the pilot event is widely expected to be a resounding success.

Neureuther is keenly anticipating the chance to compete in a new event in front of an ardent home crowd.

He said: "It is an important event for Munich 2018.

"Good organisation on site and an amazing atmosphere in the stadium will demonstrate Germany's passion for winter sports once again.

"Combined with the FIS World Ski Championship in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, where some events are already sold out, this will give a good impression of what Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games would look like in Munich.

"It is a dream to compete at a World Championship on home turf, but it would be even greater to finish my career with an Olympic race on the very slope where I started skiing as a child."

Huber added: "It is a superb chance to demonstrate organisational skills and to create some truly emotional sporting history."

Bastian Schweinsteiger, who captained the national side against Sweden on Wednesday, said: "This is a wonderful event for Munich.

"We can demonstrate the passion for sports in the city.

"It is also an important signal for international decision makers.

"I personally hope that the event will be held here regularly."


Related stories
November 2010: Exclusive - Row with Greens has made Munich 2018 stronger claims Bach
November 2010: Bokel bolsters Munich 2018 delegation at EOC General Assembly
November 2010: Munich Greens defy leaders to back 2018 Olympic bid
November 2010: Celebrations on ice as Munich 2018 partners prestigious ice hockey tournament
November 2010: Greens withdrawal will not stop Munich 2018 vows Bach