MOSCOW, Mar 25 FIS Cross Country Director ) Pierre Minieri expressed hope for the return of Alexander Bolshunov to international competitions. Against the background of the aggravation of Russian-Ukrainian relations, FIS first deprived Russia of the right to host the World Cup Final in Tyumen, and then decided not to allow athletes from Russia and Belarus to participate in competitions under the auspices of the organization . This decision was made in accordance with the recommendation of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the ban will be valid until the end of the 2021/22 season. «Everyone can have their own opinion, but I hope that Bolshunov will be able to return and compete,» Minieri VG. At the Olympic Games in Beijing, 25-year-old Bolshunov won five awards — three gold (skiathlon, mass start, relay), silver (separate start race) and bronze (team sprint).
