ANTHOLTS (Italy), Jan 20, Alexander Govorov.Russian biathlete Anton Babikov, who became the winner of the individual race at the pre-Olympic stage of the World Cup in Antholz, believes that he did everything in his power to get into the main team of Russia at the Games in Beijing. The athlete took first place, having worked without misses at four firing lines . He covered the distance of 20 kilometers in 49 minutes 46.8 seconds. Babikov is included in the Russian national team for the Beijing Olympics as a substitute. Second place in the individual race was taken by the Norwegian Tarjei Boe (two misses; backlog — 9.7 seconds), the third was another Russian — Karim Khalili (one miss; +48.5), for whom this is the first personal podium in his career in the World Cup «There was no conversation with the coaching staff of the national team. Did he put the coaches in an uncomfortable position with his victory? In fact, Karim Khalili performed well, he did a great job. Although, probably, someone will be embarrassed that I am not in the national team after victory at the World Cup stage. And someone will probably pretend again that I don’t exist. Everyone has their own destiny. For someone, one good race is enough to believe in him, and for someone, one bad race to him » buried». This is a sport, in any case I am happy that I participate in this. Is there still a chance to go to the Olympics? I have already said that so far no one has flown to Beijing. I have already done everything in my power, I can’t influence the rest «, Babikov told reporters.» The distance between me and the pursuers (after afternoon circle) melted. He did not rush forward, although he understood that he (Byo) would play a lot in the first half of the circle. But there were no hard feelings. At the same time, often the first race here is not the easiest for me. Therefore, the main thing for me is to go through everything smoothly and not overdo it. I understood that there is strength to turn on at any moment and keep the distance. I knew that the price of a mistake is high, so I tried to measure each shot, not to rush, which generally paid off,» the athlete added.
