The countdown ahead of Sochi 2014 sees the first arrivals of the Italian azzurri in Russia. The short track speed skating team, led by Arianna Fontana, bronze in the 500 metres in Vancouver, will arrive at the headquarters of the XXII Olympic Games on 31 January, a week before the opening ceremony. Along with Fontana, also arriving at the Coastal Village are Martina Valcepina, Elena Viviani, Lucia Peretti, Cecilia Maffei, Yuri Confortola, Tommaso Dotti, Anthony Lobello, Nicola Rodigari and Davide Viscardi. The first races of the sporting discipline are scheduled for 10 February, with the women's 500 metres and the men’s 1500 metres.