Somppi to ski in Europe

Michael Somppi is about to get really familiar with Europe's winter terrain.

The National Development Centre-Thunder Bay cross-country skier was one of seven athletes selected this week to represent Canada at a series of OPA Cup and Scandinavian Cup races starting Feb. 3 in Switzerland.

Somppi and his teammates will travel to Latvia the following week and wind up their European run in Estonia.

" I'm very excited to have an opportunity to compete in Europe this season. Qualifying for this trip was a goal for me and accomplishing it feels great," Somppi said in a release issued Thursday by the NDC.

He knows he's about to face the stiffest competition of his career.

"It's a short turnaround as we will be departing already on Sunday so there isn't much time to do specific preparations.  However, I feel my racing is improving as the season progresses and I am really looking forward to the mini-tour event in Switzerland as well as the free technique events in Latvia."

NDC-Thunder Bay coach Eric Bailey, who retires at the conclusion of the present season, said he couldn't be more proud of what Somppi has accomplished.

"In a year without an Olympics or World Championships, this is an important step for Mike in order to maintain his presence on the International racing circuit," said Bailey, who also heads to Europe as the team leader.