Cesana World Cup off

As well as snowfall preventing the athletes training on Tuesday, an avalanche has blocked the only road between Sestriere – where most of the 300 athletes, coaches and officials are staying – and the track in Cesana, and the road remains closed.

A statement on the FIBT's official website said: "As a result of the devastating snowstorm which struck the Cesana Pariol region of Italy, the Intersport FIBT World Cup Bobsleigh and Skeleton races scheduled for December 19-21 have been cancelled.

"With a record snowfall exceeding 2.5 metres, the Cesana track management determined that the preparation of the track for training and competition was not feasible within the scheduled window.

"The review of the weather forecast by the jury presidents and the race organiser found that conducting safe training and competition was compromised."

The FIBT also announced that they would decide at a later date whether or not make-up races would be scheduled.