Morning has only just broken. Sleep's hold is hard to break. The air is eye-wateringly cold. The time has come to scope out the course. Everyone has their own routine - either be one of the first to go and hide away before the race, or take the time to check out the lie of the land and the key passages. Concentration takes over, smiles are frozen. The first four competitors set off - in less than 10 minutes' time, it will be his turn. Movements are methodical, almost programmed. Protections, race bib, helmet, goggles... the time to put the skis on is fast approaching. Time to enter the star...