The Russian cross-country skiing championship was supposed to end on March 24 , however, due to the terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall, the final races of the tournament were canceled. The Sports observer sums up the results of the tournament.
23 victories for Bolshunov and bronze for UstyugovBefore the start of the Russian Championship, it became known that Bolshunov was missing a week of training due to illness. At some point it even seemed that the second most important start of the season after the Spartakiad could take place without the “King of Skis”. The main intrigue of the year, connected with his winning streak, was under threat.
“There are risks that he will miss the first races,” admitted senior coach of the national team Yuri Borodavko on the eve of the start of the Russian Championship.
But Bolshunov himself, apparently, did not even seriously consider this option. Many people wonder where the 27-year-old skier gets his motivation given his suspension from international competitions. But he revealed this secret back in February. Bolshunov said that after a serious injury received in the off-season, he just wants to understand: What is his body capable of under such stress?
So the Russian Championship turned into another similar test for the three-time Olympic champion. Which he passed with a «4+». Fans of cross-country skiing know why it’s not a “5” even without us. The freestyle sprint became Bolshunov’s 22nd personal winning race in a row. This discipline at the tournament was also remembered for the bronze and long-awaited podium of Sergei Ustyugov, who missed most of the season.
“
“Alexander, one might say, didn’t train for a week, he didn’t have any speed or strength training,” Borodavko said after the finish. “After that it’s hard to go to the start and fight. And it was clear how difficult it was for him to start today after his illness. But he was able to overcome everything and carried out the race tactically competently.”
Next there was a victory in the skiathlon, but even after that the feeling of approaching defeat did not leave.
Vokuev: champion or cheater? In the individual race in the classical style for ten kilometers, already by the middle of the distance it became clear that Bolshunov was dropping out of the fight. It was as if an internal switch had turned off. The final ninth place and the end of a phenomenal winning streak.
“
“Nothing goes away without a trace, even though two weeks have passed, but I haven’t fully recovered,” Bolshunov said after the finish. — On the last lap, my breathing became a little “off,” and the membrane in my ear began to somehow malfunction. It was clear that there was nothing to catch today. The race didn’t go today, but there’s nothing wrong with that.”
At the same time, marathon runner Ermil Vokuev took gold, which was no less a sensation. Yes, then many were indignant at why there were no zones on the track prohibiting double-polling (simultaneous stepless running). Like, this is a “cheating” victory. But no one will take it away from him.
After this result, there was talk about whether Bolshunov should skip the team sprint and relay for the marathon? Back then, no one could imagine that there would be no marathons. However, at that time I would like to highlight Savely Korostelev, who won the title of two-time Russian champion. I remembered how in December 2022, Wikipedia deleted his page with the wording “does not meet the criteria.” Well, now?
Response to Kuleshova I would also like to be happy for Anastasia Kuleshova. She continues to prove that the decision to resume her career was absolutely correct. Her results bring particular pleasure in light of the recent skirmish with Veronica Stepanova. The latter took the liberty of advising Kuleshova to beat her more often. Anastasia heeded the advice, taking gold both in the skiathlon (where Stepanova finished in an honorable 18th place) and in the individual race (in which Stepanova decided not to start at all).
No marathons On Friday evening, terrible news came about a terrorist attack in Moscow «Crocus». It was immediately clear that holding the final races of the Russian Championship was a big question. The head of the FLGR, Elena Vyalbe, after some time confirmed the cancellation of the remaining starts. At such moments there is absolutely no time for sports…