Olympic champion Sergei Ustyugov will start on February 3 for the first time this season at the Russian Cup stage. What fans expect from the two-time world champion — in the material Sport.
- “It seems to me that Bolshunov is afraid of Seryoga’s return! He’s nervous,” notes a fan with the nickname “Alex” under one of the publications on Ustyugov’s social networks.
- «Seryozha, not only do they want to see you, but they also understand that only you can fight. Everyone else. .. they are afraid,” adds Galina.
This is where the main intrigue of the season lies. Yes, Bolshunov is truly impressive now. Fifteen victories in fifteen races is a result that cannot but delight. It’s unlikely that anyone could have imagined before the start that an athlete recovering from an injury would be capable of this. But everyone remembers last year. And the fans really miss the nerve and the show that Ustyugov and Bolshunov put on.
“»The main thing for Sergei is to go out on the track and they will throw flowers at him! He is a people's hero! And let Bolshunov go first — he will block Sergei from the wind!» — a fan named Lina writes emotionally.
Yulia Stupak was right, who said in a recent episode of the Sports show “In a Nutshell”: “Seryoga is for everyone. He is a very popular athlete.”
Of course, it is unlikely that Bolshunov is really nervous in anticipation of competition. He does not look like an athlete who is afraid of defeat in advance. And during the season it goes like a road roller. But everyone is waiting for the intrigue to return. Even San Sanych’s personal fans.
“When Ustyugov runs a race, the Bolshoi always has some problems! But he doesn’t like it,” emphasizes a fan with the nickname Alex.
Many experts agree that Ustyugov will now be able to show good results extremely difficult. But they also note: given Sergei’s talent, success cannot be ruled out under any circumstances. Talent and the ability to surprise are something that cannot be taken away from the Beijing Olympic champion. The same thoughts are heard in fan circles.
«»Sergey has the ability to win against Bolshunov, if only he had the desire. It's hard to believe this season, although maybe Sergey is preparing a surprise. I really hope so. Then it will be a good show,» Ivan Sunny shares his opinion.
Indirect confirmation of such thoughts is the rhetoric of Ustyugov himself. “I relaxed my buns,” “There is no chance,” the skier said at the end of autumn. Knowing Sergei and his character, this was 100 percent deceit. It’s not in his nature to go on the ski track for places in the second twenty.
“»I’m sure that if there are no force majeures, Sergei will impose a fight, I think his form will be no worse than at the last Spartakiad. This year he is even stronger shifted the focus to the main starts,” says a user named Ivan.
“If he wants to, finds motivation, he can win. Alexander is great, but not omnipotent,” notes Yana Basmanova.
But after all the All-Russian Spartakiad starts next week, for which Ustyugov is also entered. The Russian Cup stage is, of course, important, but the main start of the season will still provide answers to the main questions. You just need to wait a little.