It is with great regret that I have to inform you of my decision to postpone hosting the world junior championship in France.

As you well know I have been working every day for several months on this project, which is well-advanced in its progress as all the hotel bookings have been made since February, the graphic guidelines have been defined and all the media has been contacted to cover the competition.

However, upon reflection of an unexpected event on the 18th March of this year, I am compelled to make this grave decision.

On the 18th of March 2008 we had the local elections in France and the town of Reims along with more than 80 other important towns shifted to the opposition party with regard to the Presidential majority of Nicolas Sarkozy.

The entry of a new Socialist majority within the town of Reims means in any case that the World Championship has to be reviewed in the sense that this new party does not feel bound by the promises of the previous party and feels that it has other priorities other than the IBSF World Championships.

Without it and its logistics, it would be impossible to organise such a championship and that is why today I prefer to make my decision to postpone the hosting of these championships.

Partnership contracts are underway and it is up to me to take all the measures to explain the meaning and the scope of this decision to all the partners.

It is now my duty and responsibility to find out how and where it will be possible to propose the competition to our junior players to which they are entitled.

The IBSF will naturally keep you informed of all projects in this way.