Storyline: The Junior World Cup was held as the first test competition at the Speed Skating Stadium in Milan on Saturday in preparation for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. The speed skating competitions of the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 will take place at a stadium that has been renovated from an existing exhibition hall at the Milan Exhibition Center. It features a standard 400-meter ice track, training areas, and temporary stands accommodating approximately 6,000 spectators. The venue employs a removable, reusable structure and will revert to exhibition use after the Games. Andrea Francisi, chief Games operations officer for Milan-Cortina Organizing Committee, said that the test event will evaluate the whole process from ice surface maintenance to event organization, ensuring smooth operations during the Winter Olympics. "It marks the first time in history that a temporary ice rink has been built for speed skating, which is a big challenge for us and the International Skating Union. We held the test event to spot any mistakes that might come up during the Games and to find ways to improve," said Francisi. In addition to venue facilities and testing, volunteer services are also an important part of ensuring the smooth operation of the event and enhancing the experience of athletes and spectators. Silvia Mochetti, manager for volunteers' communication and engagement program, said that about 18,000 volunteers have been recruited so far, achieving the expected goal. They have already made preparations for the Winter Olympics. "Volunteers are an indispensable part, whether at the Summer or Winter Olympics. They are often the first people that athletes, media, and national delegations encounter upon arrival, and the first to make all Olympic participants feel at home. We are ready, and we will keep going," said Mochetti. Shotlist: Milan, Italy - Nov 29, 2025: 1. Various of skaters skating at stadium 2. SOUNDBITE (Italian) Andrea Francisi, chief Games operations officer, Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 Organizing Committee (ending with shots 3-4): "It marks the first time in history that a temporary ice rink has been built for speed skating, which is a big challenge for us and the International Skating Union. We held the test event to spot any mistakes that might come up during the Games and to find ways to improve." 3. Various of skaters skating at stadium 4. Various of machines cleaning on ice oval 5. Various of volunteers working, serving visitors 6. SOUNDBITE (Italian) Silvia Mochetti, manager for volunteers' communication and engagement program (ending with shot 7): "Volunteers are an indispensable part, whether at the Summer or Winter Olympics. They are often the first people that athletes, media, and national delegations encounter upon arrival, and the first to make all Olympic participants feel at home. We are ready, and we will keep going." 7. Various of speed skating players preparing for competition 8. Various of volunteer serving visitors 9. Signboard showing "It's the opening ceremony" 10. Various of venue, banner [Restrictions: No access Chinese mainland]