Defending champions Matthias Kyburz of Switzerland and Tove Alexandersson of Sweden carry clear leads in the men’s and women’s overall World Cup – just as they did at this stage last year.

But the three days of competition that get underway tomorrow with the Long Distance race, which will be followed by the Middle Distance race on Saturday and Sunday’s Sprint Relay, are likely to be anything other than a formality given the general level of competition.

Kyburz leads with 388 points, but his margin over the next three ranked athletes is far from overwhelming.

Second-placed Martin Regborn of Sweden is only 33 points behind, and Kyburz’s compatriot Daniel Hubmann, on 338, is poised to challenge strongly, as is fourth-placed Olav Lundanes, winner of the last Middle Distance World Cup race at Cēsis in Latvia last month.

In fact, as many as 12 athletes have a chance of overtaking the current leader.

“This year the World Cup final takes place in Alpine terrain and the running area is extremely steep,” Kyburz toldwww.o-worldcup.ch

“Therefore, I have consciously build a lot of heights into my training.

“I'm looking forward to the Middle Distance race on Saturday.

“It will be an exciting, crisp, technical run and the spectators will support us in the finish at the Eigerplatz in Grindelwald.

“It will probably remain exciting until the last stages, with the question of who will win the overall World Cup this year still in doubt.”

In the women’s class Alexandersson, overall World Cup winner in the last three seasons, is favourite to top the podium again.

But Russia’s Natalia Gemperle – currently living in Switzerland – could prove a “home” winner if she can maintain the excellent form she has shown throughout this year.

Alexandersson leads with 552 points, with Gemperle on 490.

Unfortunately, third-place Danish athlete Maja Alm will be unable to compete in the season’s finale because of injury.

Helena Bergman of Sweden, fourth overall on 361 points, and home athlete Sabine Hauswirth, one place and 19 points behind, will also be in the mix for top placings and a share of the prize money.

In the Team World Cup (Relay and Sprint Relay) Sweden is in the lead ahead of Russia and Switzerland.